Welcome Columbia students!

Here you will find general and academic information about the programs offered at Biosphere 2, as well as instructions on how to go about getting information, choosing a program, and applying to spend a semester or summer out in the Sonoran Desert and Catalina mountains of Oracle, Arizona!

• Eligibility and Requirements
• Academic Credit
• Planning, Preparation, and How to Apply
• Information Sessions
• Contact us

Eligibility and Requirements

Columbia University students are eligible to study at Biosphere 2 provided that they have at least a 3.0 grade point average and are making satisfactory progress toward finishing the Core Curriculum.

If you are interested in spending a semester or summer at Biosphere 2, please see your class dean or advisor to discuss your plans.

Academic Credit

Columbia University's Biosphere 2 offers several undergraduate programs, including semester and summer programs. For academic program and course information, please click here.

Columbia University students will get general credit for all courses taken at the Biosphere, and these courses will be listed on your Columbia transcript.

You may also get several points toward the following majors and/or concentrations, for details click here:

• Astronomy/Astrophysics
• Chemistry/Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Biology (E3B)
• Earth and Environmental Science (DEES)
• Engineering

Summer Programs and Credits:

As a Columbia College or General Studies student, you can fulfill the science requirement during a fall or spring semester at Biosphere 2.

During the summer, the Earth Systems Field Schools I and II, Biodiversity, and Summer of Stars will each partially satisfy the science sequence.

Planning, Preparation and How to Apply

The following steps will help you prepare as well as apply for a semester or summer at Biosphere 2. Please note that the process outlined below is specific to Columbia University students, so please follow the instructions carefully!:

First, review the website to select a program of study! http://www.columbia.edu/biosphere

1. See your class dean or advisor. They will help you decide which program is best for you, as well as when it makes sense for you to go. Most Columbia students study at Biosphere 2 either as second semester sophomores or first semester juniors. All years and majors attend summer sessions.
2. Attend general information sessions to learn more about about academic programs and credit for your major. You will also have the chance to meet and speak with Columbia students who have attended Biosphere programs.
3. Get clearance: Make sure you are cleared by your class dean if you are in CC or SEAS, or your advisor if you are a GS student. They will need to fill out the "Statement of Good Standing" portion of the application for semester and summer programs alike.
4. Apply: Follow the instructions on applying for the program you have chosen. You may apply either on-line or submit a paper application. The application may be accessed at: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biosphere2/application.html. Paper applications should be submitted to your class center (or your advisor for GS students). Please note that there is only one application to fill out regardless of which program you have chosen to attend.
5. Adhere to the Columbia campus deadline: Columbia students must adhere to the campus deadlines when applying to spend a semester or summer at Biosphere 2. The Columbia campus deadline for Fall 2002 programs is April 15th, 2002. The Columbia campus deadline for summer 2002 programs is April 30th, 2002. You will need to be cleared and registered for off-campus study with your class center or advisor by the dates above in order to participate in your semester or summer away.

For further information, please contact:

Louise Rosen,
Director of Recruitment, Columbia Earth Institute
[email protected]

Heather Glick
Coordinator of Off-Campus Programs
[email protected]

Kathleen McDermott
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
[email protected]