The purpose of the Field Nature Studies Program is to help students better understand the complex ecological relationships within nature. The program consists of an overall Certificate Program in Field Ecology or Desert Ecology and three Specialized Study Programs û in Field Botany, Field Geology and Field Ornithology û for persons who want further study in an area of particular interest. The curricula for all five programs was developed in cooperation with an advisory panel of distinguished natural scientists.
Each program emphasizes field study, augmented by classroom work and independent study. Field tours are led by instructors who are experts in natural science and history.