Overview
Join this exciting expedition to examine and document changes in glacier coverage along Alaska’s Prince William Sound. You’ll start with a one week online course covering glacier dynamics, techniques for documenting landscape changes, and the geography and geology of Alaska. Then you’ll board the research vessel The Endeavour, where you’ll spend the next two weeks exploring glaciers along Alaska’s vast coastline. You will learn to use repeat photography, which compares images you’ll collect with historical photographs taken in the same location, to show changes in the landscape. You’ll see different kinds of glaciers and learn about how they shape the environment. Using smaller shore boats, we will approach the terminus of several glaciers and explore the coastline on foot. We will live and study aboard the ship, giving us access to extraordinary locations and opportunities to discuss and reflect while experiencing life on a research vessel. This program is limited to 6 students and features communal living onboard the ship.
Field School highlights:
- Be part of ongoing research to document glacier change in Alaska.
- Understand how ice and water continue to sculpt the landscape
- Visit more than 50 glaciers while exploring southern Alaska’s coastline
| Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Course Dates (2026) | online June 22-26 onsite July 1 – 13 (to be confirmed) |
| Course Type | Environmental Studies, Geology |
| Instructors | Dr. Bruce Molnia |
| Credits* | 6 semester (12 quarter) |
| Apply By | April 1 |
| Fees Due By | April 15 |
| Program Fees | (2026) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,900 |
| Transcript Fee* | $350 |
| Health & Evacuation Insurance | NA |
| Room & Board | $1,350 |
| TOTAL: | $6,600 |
*Please email admissions@ifrglobal.org for any application issues.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until program fills or final deadline passes.
Instructors
The directors welcome emails and inquiries about the research elements of this project. More general information (tuition, health insurance, and payment schedule) can be found under the ‘Students’ tab above. Any further questions may be addressed to IFR staff. Additional details about research, course schedule, travel, accommodation, and safety can be found on the syllabus. Contacting the directors or the IFR office is encouraged and appreciated. It may help you determine if this field school is a good fit for you.
Payment & Student Fees
Application Fee: There is a $45 fee to submit an online application.
Deposit Payment: A nonrefundable $500 deposit is due within 3 weeks of program acceptance in order to secure your place. The remainder of your program fees are due by the deadline indicated under “Course Details”.
*Transcript Fee & Academic Credit Opt Out: If you wish to participate in an IFR field school without earning academic credits, you will not be charged a transcript fee.
For more information about payment, fees, and policies, please see details under our Payment & Finances and Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy pages.
Accommodations
The whole expedition takes place aboard the classic 72-foot research vessel Endeavour. The vessel offers comfortable living space for both learning and personal time. Ample mid- and upper decks provide opportunities for observing Alaska’s wildlife and amazing landscapes, fishing, shrimping and crabbing. In addition to its two shore boats (inflatable rib and aluminum jet boat) Endeavour offers kayaks and canoes for personal exploration/downtime as well as a book and video library for research and enjoyment.
Life on any boat means teamwork. Participants share two-person cabins and rotate through crews to assist with meal prep, cleaning, watch, and deck duties. Showers are available every two to three days, laundry is done once per trip. While we do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, with limited space and access in the Alaskan wilderness, we cannot guarantee that every need can be met, but the crew is happy to work with participants to provide reasonable alternatives, solutions. Note: Bella, the ship’s dog, is on board as well.
Travel Info
Natural disasters, political changes, weather conditions and various other factors may force the cancellation or alteration of a field school. IFR recommends students only purchase airline tickets that are fully refundable and consider travel insurance in case a program or travel plans must change for any reason.
General information for this program is below, but keep in mind we will discuss any updated travel information and regulations during the required program orientation, which could affect travel plans.
Updated travel information will be posted for 2026 as available. Ship ports may change, so do not book travel until new information is provided.