<p>I am set on researching Antarctica with my main interests being climate change and paleontology. I am looking for an undergraduate program that can give me an introduction to the field which I will be focusing on in graduate school. </p>
<p>Can anyone recommend programs that can give me what I am looking for, or universities which have professors/researchers who are working in this area?</p>
<p>I am having trouble finding information online. I am even having difficulty finding graduate programs.</p>
<p>When I was researching Colorado College one of their pamphlets showed a student who used a research grant to go to the Antarctica to continue her geology research. I think my interviewer for Carleton College also mentioned something about someone doing something similar</p>
<p>I don’t know about colleges with programs on Antarctica specifically–it seems unlikely. But if you look at schools with top atmospheric science/paleontology/earth science/marine science departments, you should find some that offer a lot of courses you’d find applicable to Antarctica. Or look at the resumes of the U.S. scientists who’ve spent time at the Antarctic research station(s) and see where they got their B.A.s.</p>
You must have either not read or only skimmed this program, which offers instruction in “two sequential lower-division Penguin language courses” and living arrangements “with a Penguin host family in one of Antarctica’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods.” </p>
<p>LOL!</p>
<p>
This. I recommend a major in geology, physics, and/or atmospheric science. You have a LOT of coursework to get out of the way before you can start focusing on a particular area like that.</p>
<p>Most programs are structured along the same lines. Good preparation for grad school in geology in any field involves at the minimum physical geology, historical geology, and basic ocean/atmospheric studies. For a focus on climate change and Antarctica, you’d also need geomorphology, climate dynamics, stratigraphy/sedimentation, chemical and physical oceanography, and remote sensing/GIS. Upper level seminars in subjects like paleoclimatology and tectonics/volcanology would also be helpful. Most colleges with above average geology programs will offer these courses on at least a rotational basis, so check to see if they’re offered. You’ll need as much math, physics, and preferably computer science as you can handle.</p>
<p>It’s not necessary to attend a college that focuses on Antarctica; that’s what summer field studies are for. Focus on colleges that will provide you a strong foundation in physics and math. Consider the same factors that anyone would:
[ul][<em>]What can you afford?
[</em>]What are your stats?
[<em>]How big of a college do you want?
[</em>]Would you prefer urban, suburban, or rural?
[<em>]Would you prefer a particular region of the country?
[</em>]Greek life or none? Athletics? Resources/organizations available for LGBT, religious, or minority students? Any other factors?[/ul]</p>
<p>^ lol, indeed! oops, I meant to paste that link with the other bogus program, but it didn’t make the cut! Too late, now—I hope the OP isn’t heading off to Merced!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! You’re all so helpful. I am going to look at all of the programs listed. I was actually looking into colleges in New Zealand. Would it be silly to turn down a top US college for a university in New Zealand? (I would rather go to NZ)</p>
<p>Northeastern University has some co-op placements in Antarctica. I know there was a New York Times article about one student’s time down there.</p>
If you can afford it, Auckland has a pretty good reputation and might be worth it. I don’t think the others would be. You can always study abroad for a semester or two in NZ, after all. </p>
<p>Be aware that the academic structure is different; their academic year corresponds to the calendar year. Their summer is therefore in December/January/February, which is problematic if you’re hoping to do research in the US or through an American program like REUs.</p>