Field Experience

Students on a ship posing for the camera.

The World is your Classroom

The best way to study the earth and environment is in the real world. That’s why our teaching is hands-on and on-site. From Antarctica to Africa, our students work alongside distinguished faculty in state-of-the-art laboratories and on expeditions worldwide. For more details on current research groups, please visit our research page.

Students can also join summer research opportunities with outside organizations.

Field Experience in the US

The department considers field experience to be a valuable part of geological training and incorporates field trips into the regular schedule of many of the undergraduate courses. Students take excursions within New York and adjoining states or can participate in a course that provides field experience studying active geological processes in California.

Field Experience Abroad

Faculty encourage advanced undergraduates to participate in North American and overseas field research programs. Most undergraduates participate in active laboratory research in fields such as:

  • Geophysics
  • Geochemistry
  • Paleontology
  • Petrology
  • Structural geology
  • Tectonics
  • Seismology
  • Stratigraphy
  • Geodynamics
  • Magneto-stratigraphy
  • Geology
  • Public policy
  • Paleoclimate studies
  • Environmental geology

Student Organizations

The (SEESS) is an active student-led organization that provides special field trips, welcomes speakers from other universities and colleges, and hosts social events throughout the academic year.