Small Classes with Distinguished Faculty
At the Wheaton College Field Station, students take only one course at a time, either during Session 1 or Session 2 (Sessions are four weeks each). If a student is enrolled for the full summer (8 weeks), they will end up take up to two classes for a total of 8 credits hours (see Academic Programs and Courses for each program track). Classes are rarely larger than 11 students. Professors in the Black Hills program routinely declare that they do their "best teaching" right there in the field with a small group of motivated students and limited distractions. Students enjoy getting to know the professors and their families who live with them on the campus. Professors come from the Wheaton College science faculty as well as from other colleges and universities.
Modern Facilities with Rustic Western Charm
Students live in two dormitories, one for men and one for women. These feature shower facilities and camp-style rooms with bunks and storage space for four to five people. Faculty and staff live in apartments or small cabins on the campus. The community meets for meals in the Boardman Dinning Hall, which contains a modern kitchen for food preparation. The Leedy Lodge serves as a social center, with ping-pong, a large fireplace, and comfortable seating. Classrooms designed for hands-on learning are maintained in two science buildings. A computer lab is available with internet access. A small library building provides a quiet place to study. The community meets for Sunday evening Vespers in the lodge or the outdoor amphitheater. Campus recreational facilities include volleyball and basketball courts, an open field for soccer, softball or ultimate Frisbee, an outdoor swimming pool, hiking trails, inspirational overlooks, and tubing or fishing in Rapid Creek. Take a Campus Tour!
Not Too Far Off the Beaten Path
Pine-covered hills and towering rocky peaks surround the Science Station campus, but Rapid City is a mere nine miles down the road. The Rapid City Regional Airport can be reached within a 30 min drive. The Rapid City Regional Medical Center provides outstanding health services. Shopping centers and restaurants provide other "conveniences of civilization." Of course, the Black Hills is one of America’s most popular vacation destinations. See Campus for directions, information on tourism, and local travel.
Plan your Summer in the Black Hills
Non-science majors can take the Gen Ed courses to satisfy their Science Practice, Scientific Issues and Perspectives, and Advanced Integrative Seminar requirements any summer. Biology and Environmental Science students usually come to the Field Station after their freshman year to take the Biology sequence. General Education and Biology courses are offered each year, as are the Sustainability Summer courses. Geology major courses are offered alternate years. Announcements for students who are planning to attend the next summer program are posted at General Information.
Students from other Colleges and Universities
Students from other colleges and universities have attended the Wheaton College Field Station. Check with your school for credit transfer approval. Contact us for more information.