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77 Years of Geoscience Field Education

May 18 - June 26, 2026
Oklahoma State University and the Boone Pickens School of Geology are offering a six (6) credit hour field camp experience in the summer of 2026. We believe the OSU program is one of the finest field courses in the country. Students will be trained in important and widely sought-after skills such as bedrock and surface mapping, measuring stratigraphic section, describing outcrop relationships, and interpreting geologic processes and history based on their observations. Students also gain experience in geophysical data acquisition and interpretation using an array of near-surface geophysical methods, including seismic, ground-penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity. Many students enjoy their free time at camp going hiking, camping, and adventuring out for other opportunities such as visiting Royal Gorge, the Arkansas River, Denver, and Colorado Springs.
Students are required to have taken prerequisite courses of Sedimentary Geology/Petrology and Structural Geology at their previous institution; exemptions may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on home institution curricula.
For information about the course requirements, please email Dr. Brandon Spencer at spbr@okstate.edu.

Traditional and Modern Geoscience Field Methods

All students begin by learning a foundation of traditional mapping and measurement methods before gaining experience in modern instrumentation and data collection.

Traditional orienteering and geologic mapping exercises

Stratigraphic section measurement of Paleozoic and Mesozoic rocks

Digital mapping exercises designed to give students experience with modern field methods

Geophysical measurement, data processing, and interpretation, and applications to environmental geosciences

Local Adventures

Students have free time to explore the surrounding Front Range area, with plenty to do in Cañon City, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Denver.

Visit Royal Gorge!

One of Cañon City's most popular attractions, the geology here is spectacular!

Visit Garden of the Gods!

See the famous Fountain and Lyons formations turned upright!

Explore the Front Range!

The Rockies provide endless opportunity for adventure!

Visit Denver!

Denver has world-class restaurants, arts, and sports venues!

Want to know more?

Contact Dr. Brandon Spencer for information about the camp, or Angie Sneed for assistance with application and registration.
OSU Students at camp with Dr. Spencer in 2023
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