Opportunities - During the BA

Research Opportunities in the Department

Original research is a fundamental part of most careers in the Earth and Environmental Sciences.  For many, an undergraduate research experience stimulates a deeper undertanding and appreciation for the pratice of science that forms a basis for future endeavors.  Students are encouraged to do research with the faculty during the summer (funding is availble) and/or the school year (for credit).  Talk to the faculty to see how you can be involved.  Below are several standard avenues for funded summer research in E&ES:

Field Camps

Field methods are a fundamental skill to understand the Earth and our environment, and the department encourages E&ES students to attend field camp.  Many field courses run by other universities can qualify for E&ES elective credit.  Qualified courses must meet the following criteria:

  1. The course must be an upper level science course.
  2. The course must emphasize field methodology. 
  3. The course must be a minimum of 4 credits.
  4. The course must be at least 3 weeks in duration.

Please check with your advisor or the chair to ensure that the courses you are considering will qualify for E&ES elective credit.  Also, please be aware that Wesleyan will grant up to two credits from summer programs with a minimum grade of B-. Transfer credit must be pre-approved by the Department and will be awarded using the criteria defined in Wesleyan’s Academic Regulations https://catalog.wesleyan.edu/academic-regulations/external-special-study/.

Thanks to a generous endowment by Harold T. Stearns, the department has funds to support students' attendance at field camp. To apply for funds please fill out this form. Wesleyan will directly pay tuition. All other expenses will be reimbursed when receipts are submitted using the standard Wesleyan Travel Expense Form found here. The deadline for this is February 1 of the summer you plan to attend field camp.

Check websites or spreadsheet for application deadlines to a given field camp. 

Other Research Opportunities and Internships

Geological Society of Connecticut Internships
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Earth Science: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=5050

Ocean Sciences: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=5053

Polar Programs: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/list_result.jsp?unitid=72

Connecticut Resources