The Wild Rockies Field Institute (WRFI) offers undergraduate students unique opportunities to earn upper-division credits, accredited through the University of Montana, for expedition-oriented field studies in the Rocky Mountain West.

On Environmental Ethics: Climate Change and Visions of a Sustainable Future, students will experience their academic coursework first-hand as it integrates a Wilderness backpacking trip, meetings with guest speakers, and site visits. Students will camp at designated campsites, on public land, and occasionally on the property of gracious guest speakers. Student coursework will examine the political, social, economic, and cultural changes required to effectively address climate change.  Students will immerse themselves in environmental ethics, climate change science, and conservation biology.  Upon completion of this course, students will be expected to articulate their vision of a truly sustainable future that addresses the challenges of global climate change.

No prior backpacking experience is necessary. In addition to the academic offerings, students learn and cultivate the skills of wilderness travel,  minimum impact camping, orienteering, and natural history throughout the course.

Students will earn 3 college credits through the University of Montana – Philosophy 323: Ethics of Climate Change

Enrollment is limited to 8 students and WRFI accepts students on a rolling admission basis. Please visit our website for more info, tuition and scholarship opportunities, to sign up for an online info session, or to apply. You can also reach us at wrfi@wrfi.net. Hope to see you in the field!