Expedition Science
Associate of Science Degree
If you enjoy adventures in the outdoors and are curious to learn about the interactions of flora, fauna and the environment, consider the Expedition Science degree program.
The Expedition Science program integrates scientific research, field-based expeditions, and leadership development by building classroom curriculum around experiential learning. Expedition Science embraces contemporary science and technical skills in disciplines of environmental science, geospatial information science and technology (GIST), outdoor leadership, and archaeology. Expedition Science field projects allow students to travel and study in Wyoming’s most remote deserts and mountains for extended periods of time. Students might perform research in paleoecology to reconstruct past human and physical environments, or apply contemporary ecological study to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Field options include alpine glaciology, high-elevation archaeology, and the ecology of extreme environments. In each subject area, students apply field and classroom research techniques to contemporary environmental and anthropological questions. Their data will be presented at conferences, and shared with state and federal land management agencies. The Expedition Science program requires all students to complete at least one CWC or NOLS expedition.
This program provides excellent preparation for careers in natural resource management, environmental science, outdoor education, glaciology, archaeology and geospatial information science. This degree is designed for transfer to the University of Wyoming or other four-year institutions.
Read about the Interdisciplinary Climate Change Expedition (ICCE) in Scientific American. by Ben Storrow, E&E News on September 13, 2017.
| Course Number | Course |
Credits |
| BIOL 1080 | Intro to Environmental Science |
4 credits |
| EDUC 1050 | Leading Adventure Programs |
3 credits |
| ENR 2425 | Mountain Environments |
4 credits |
| GEOG 1200 | Geospatial Foundations |
4 credits |
| HLED 2010 | Wilderness First Responder |
4 credits |
| MATH 1400 | College Algebra |
4 credits |
| ORTM 1000 | Foundations of Recreation & Tourism |
3 credits |
| PEAC 2025 | Wilderness Navigation |
1 credit |
| ANTH 1300 OR G&R 1020 | Intro to Archaeology OR Intro to Human Geography |
3 credits |
| G&R 2020 | Mountaineering |
1 - 5 credits |
| G&R 2030 | Wilderness Backpacking |
1 - 5 credits |
| G&R 2031 | Combined Expeditions |
1 - 5 credits |
Students must choose a minimum of eighteen (18) credits from the following courses:
| Course Number | Course |
Credits |
| ANTH 2010 | Archaeology Field School |
3 credits |
| EDUC 1055 | Introduction to Outdoor Education |
3 credits |
| CPED 1000 OR EDUC 2470 |
Co-Op Work Experience I OR Outdoor Education Practicum |
3 credits |
| GEOG 1100 | Introduction to Geographic Info Systems |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2100 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2110 | Techniques in Cartography |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2120 | Geographic Information System Databases |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2125 | Geographic Info Syst Database Apps |
1 credit |
| GEOG 2130 | Spatial Analysis |
4 credits |
| GEOG 2135 | Applied GPS for GIS |
3 credits |
| GEOG 2140 | Remote Sensing |
4 credits |
| HLED 2010 | Wilderness First Responder |
4 credits |
| PEAC 1258 | Skiing & Snowboarding |
1 credit |
| PEAC 1287 | Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing |
1 credit |
| PEAC 1297 | Whitewater Rafting/Rescue |
1 credit |
| PEAC 1380 | Outdoor Multi-Sport |
1 - 3 credits |
| PEAC 1600 | Ice Climbing |
1 credit |
| PEAC 2058 | Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding |
1 credit |
General Education requirements provide students a general knowledge to help them complete a degree at CWC.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Writing Level I | 3 |
| Writing Level II | 3 |
| American & Wyoming Government | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities | 3 |
| Oral Communication | 3 |
| University Studies | 1 |
Total Credit Hours: 60
Get to know your instructors
Darran Wells
Professor of Outdoor Education and LeadershipDarran Wells is passionate about all kinds of outdoor activities - hiking, climbing, caving, and skiing, but mountain biking is a sport he dedicates most of his free time to.
Jacki Klancher
Professor of Environmental Science and Health; Director of Instruction and Research at the Alpine Science Institute; AgricultureJacki Klancher has been an educator for more than 20 years. Originally from Patricia, Alberta Canada, Klancher has been at CWC for more than 10 years as a professor and she was integral in launching the Interdisciplinary Climate Change Expedition. This undergraduate research program has allowed her to integrate the classroom component of the EHS Environmental GIST and Expedition Science programs with wilderness travel and adventure.
Todd Guenther
Professor of Anthropology and HistoryTodd Guenther is passionate about anthropology and getting his students the field experience needed for the next level.
If you have an interest in anthropology, environmental science, geospatial information systems technology (GIST), or outdoor education you can begin your studies and career on top of the Rocky Mountains as part of the Alpine Science Institute at Central Wyoming College.
Take the next step in your outdoor leadership journey. This 8-semester program offers students an administrative perspective of the outdoor recreation service industry that includes learning, training, and assessment of leadership and program management skills. The program is especially appropriate for students wishing to: start their own outdoor-related small business, manage an outdoor recreation or education program, or build a career in leadership of parks, recreation, tourism, or natural resource management.