Summer Program - Overview

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Ecology student hiking a ridge in Glacier National Park

Ecology student at the top of Triple Divide Pass in Glacier National Park

2018 FLBS Summer Courses At a Glance:: 1, 3 & 5 credit courses; Earn up to 13 credits in 8 weeks & graduate early!; Gain Real Field Experience; Learn Under the Big Sky of Northwest Montana; Many scholarships available!; Small class sizes, dynamic faculty; Credits transferable to most universities; Prices are the same for local, US and international students!; Apply by Jan. 12 for a ($100.00) discount!; Pay in full by Apr. 30 for a ($100.00) discount!; $1,990.00 for tuition, housing*, and meals per 2 week course; * Based on double-occupancy cabin. Single occupancy requests contingent on space.

2018 Courses: --4 Week Courses--; Field Ecology; Seminars in Ecology; --2 Week Courses--; Conservation Ecology; Environmental Sensors; Aquatic Microbial Ecology; Landscape Ecology; Alpine Ecology; INDEPENDENT STUDY-Mohr; Lake Ecology; Drone Remote Sensing; Forest-Grassland Ecology; Stream Ecology; --1 Week Courses--; Field Methods in Ornithology (CANCELED)

Looking for Graduate Student opportunities? Visit our Graduate Opportunities page.

FLBS Summer Program Overview

Photo of Field Ecology textbook from a hammock in the forest

Summer 2017 in Images

Video image link - ecology students observe in Glacier Park

Summer 2018 video

Our academic session is a rigorous rewarding field ecology experience emphasizing hands-on learning with real field experience outside under the open sky. Our courses are also great for current students or professionals looking to upgrade their basic training. All courses involve field trips to Flathead Basin sites including Glacier National Park. Direct observation of biota and ecological processes is emphasized and hiking, boating and outdoor field activities are the norm. Most classes involve overnight camping, both front- and back-country.

Students will experience constant photo opportunities while exploring pristine wilderness, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and recreating on area streams and rivers - all benefits of an academic adventure in the Crown of the Continent in Northwest Montana.

A Legacy of Ecological Education

Summer Brochure

Flathead Lake Bio Station opened for students and researchers in 1899 (119 years ago!) distinguishing FLBS and is one of the oldest biological stations in the United States. While courses and faculty have changed over the years, our commitment to high-quality, rigorous, field-based education remains. FLBS courses substitute for required or elective courses in many campus degree plans. Courses may be taken for undergraduate (300/400 level courses) or graduate (400 level courses) credit or on an audit basis.

You may want just one 1-week, 2-week or 4-week course, or you may wish to enroll in a combination of courses for up to 8 weeks. We recommend students take a full course load to get the best return on the dollar.

By gaining real field experience in a research and education environment, you will be more competitive for graduate school or your next job. These courses are also great for professionals looking to upgrade their basic training.

On the Shores of Flathead Lake

FLBS is located on the east shore of Flathead Lake, about 85 miles north of Missoula, MT.

During your stay, you can expect to meet a diverse group of people in an atmosphere of scholarly fun. You will be one of about 40 students living in cabins along the lake shore. In addition to summer students, graduate students, research scientists, visiting investigators, and a full-time research and maintenance staff of about 25 people work here year round.