Field learning
Learning by doing
Our researchers and students conduct research or engage in field learning on all seven continents and oceans. Any Stanford student may join a variety of programs, from two-day coastal geology Field Courses to multi-week Sophomore College field studies and Bing Overseas Seminars. We also offer a quarter-long field course in social and biophysical systems in Hawaii.
Field education website
For more information about field programs, including resource documents, virtual field trips, and more, please check out the field education page.
Field courses
Our instructors immerse you in hands-on field experiences to understand Earth’s processes and develop your observational, spatial, and problem-solving skills.
Introduction to Field Methods
GEOLSCI 105/291
Living on the Edge
GEOLSCI 5
Bay Area Landscapes and Tectonics
GEOLSCI 42
Energizing California
ENERGY 101A
Natural Perspectives
EARTHSYS 193
Wrigley Field Program in Hawaii
A quarter-long course for students interested in Earth systems, biology, geological sciences, and cultural anthropology. The 2022 program application will open in Winter 2022.
Sophomore College courses about Earth
A two-unit, three-week immersive summer seminar for academic exploration in a variety of locations.
Coupled Human Natural Systems of Southeast Alaska, 2018
Water and Power in the Pacific Northwest 2017
Learn by Doing in Alaska
Bing Overseas Seminars
about Earth
Learn about the Earth while studying abroad and earning Stanford credit through the Bing Overseas Seminar Program (BOSP).
Learning through fieldwork about Pacific coral reefs
Stanford@Sea
A 10-week investigative science and policy course examining the impacts of human actions on ocean ecosystems. Contact Professor Rob Dunbar at dunbar@stanford.edu for more information about the program. Read about Stanford@Sea
Learning on Stanford's educational farm
The O'Donohue Family Educational Farm is Stanford’s home for hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture.
Related Links
Going into the field?
Resources for a well-equipped and safe field experience. Learn more about policies, travel registry, safety, equipment, travel guides and resources.
- Reserve a field vehicle (SUNETid required)
- Field Equipment
- Field Safety
- Trip Guides