Overview

The Wheaton College Science Station was established for field instruction in the natural sciences in 1935. Located at 4400 feet above sea level, our beautiful 50-acre campus is surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest and scenic Rapid Creek. Here, students have ample opportunity to study God’s creation under competent and enthusiastic instructors in the atmosphere of a friendly Christian community.

Courses are offered in astronomy, meteorology, biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental science for both science majors and non-science majors. Science majors may complete 8-10 upper-division credit hours, while non-science majors can satisfy their entire general education science requirement in one summer at the Science Station.

Each course provides a unique experience in the study of nature in the field.

Much can be learned on and around the Science Station campus, but frequent trips are taken to explore many nearby sites of scientific interest, including woodlands, streams, and meadows in the Black Hills National Forest, several National Parks and Monuments (Badlands, Devil’s Tower, Wind and Jewel Caves, Mt. Rushmore), and State Parks (Custer and Bear Butte). Geology, Environmental Science, and Biology majors journey to the Big Horn and Beartooth Mountains, and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Opportunities abound for wilderness recreation at the Science Station and surrounding areas.

Students from other colleges and universities are welcome to enroll in courses at the Wheaton College Science Station (see below).

Small Classes with Distinguished Faculty
At the Science Station, students take one course at a time. For example, Biology majors may take up to three classes lasting three to four weeks, each (see Academic Programs and Courses for each program track). Classes are rarely larger than 14 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 no 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 (see Faculty).

Modern Facilities with Rustic Western Charm
Students live in the 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 TV, ping-pong, large fireplace and comfortable couches. Classrooms, designed for hands-on learning, are maintained in two science buildings. A computer lab is available with high-speed 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, many 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 in less than one hour. 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 Location and Directions and Links for information on tourism and local travel.

Plan your Summer in the Black Hills
Students take the Gen Ed courses to satisfy their Nature Cluster requirement any summer after their freshman year. Since the courses for science majors may include prerequisites, Biology, Geology or Environmental Science students generally come to the Science Station after their sophomore year or junior year. Gen Ed and Biology course are offered each year. Geology and Environmental courses are offered alternate years. To see the schedule of courses for the next summer program, see Summer Schedule. The Registration Form can be downloaded here. Announcements for students who are planning to attend the next summer program are posted at Student Information.

Students from other Colleges and Universities
Students from other Colleges and Universities have attended the Wheaton College Science Station. Check with your school for credit transfer approval. Contact us for more information. The Registration Form can be downloaded here. You will be sent additional forms and information for the application/registration processes.