Learn it where it lives.

Our accredited summer field courses are open to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, and anyone with a strong interest in natural history, field biology, or environmental science. Many participants attend for academic credit, while others come for professional development or personal enrichment.

Some courses recommend or require certain prerequisites, while others are open to all backgrounds. Check the individual course descriptions for details. If you’re unsure whether a course fits your background, feel free to reach out to our staff. We’re happy to help you find the right fit.

Consider your academic or professional interests, field experience, and schedule. Review each course description carefully to see which aligns best with your focus area. You can also contact us directly for guidance if you’d like help deciding.

Registration opens in early January. Choose your course on this page and complete the online registration form. Register early to secure your spot. Registration closes three weeks before each course begins or when the course fills.

When a course is full you can join its waitlist at no cost. If a seat opens we email you right away and hold it while you complete your registration.

Each course must reach a minimum number of students to run; if a course is canceled by HBS due to low enrollment, you’ll receive a full refund. Once you have registered and paid, we’ll email you a confirmation and next steps.

Yes. You must request academic credit at the time of registration; requests can’t be made retroactively.

• UNC–Chapel Hill: Undergraduate students can earn credit for one- or two-week courses.
• Western Carolina University: Undergraduate and graduate students can earn credit for one- or two-week courses.
• Once you have received confirmation of your registration, please send a copy of your unofficial transcript to svickery@wcu.edu.
• One-week courses earn 2 credit hours; two-week courses earn 4 credit hours.

After registration, you’ll receive instructions for completing the credit process. On transcripts, courses appear as:

• UNC–CH: BIOL 459 Field Biology
• WCU: BIOL 493/593 Special Topics (includes the course’s specific title)

Yes! Limited financial assistance is available for students taking courses for credit. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis and do not cover the full cost of the course.

To apply, register for your course, then use the scholarship link on your registration page. You will be asked for:

• Statement of Need (about 250 words describing your financial situation and goals)
• Letter of Recommendation from a faculty member or advisor. Give us their email and we send them a link.
• Unofficial Transcript

Yes. Students may also apply for:

• John E. Fairey / Southern Appalachian Botanical Society Biological Field Station Scholarship (for botany-focused courses; deadline April 25)
• Highlands Plateau Audubon Society Scholarship (for Biology and Conservation of Birds; covers $1,000 of fees; rolling deadline)

You pay for your course and housing (if requested) at the time of registration. If you receive a scholarship or financial assistance, that amount will be refunded to you once your award is processed.

Refund policy

• Academic credit fees are non-refundable.
• Housing fees are fully refundable unless you cancel within 30 days of the course start date.
• Course tuition:
  • Cancel 45 or more days before the start: full refund minus a $75 fee
  • Cancel 30 to 45 days before the start: full refund minus a $150 fee
  • Cancel less than 30 days before the start: no refund

Plan ahead. Highlands is a remote mountain town with limited transportation options. Visit our Getting Here page for driving directions and travel details.

• Cell service can be unreliable on mountain roads, so download or print directions before you come.
• Highlands has a grocery store and restaurants, but prices are higher than surrounding areas; consider shopping before you arrive.
• Parking is available on campus near housing areas.

Highlands sits at 4,100 feet, so even summer days are cool compared to most of the Southeast. Expect daytime highs in the 70s °F and cool, misty evenings in the 50s °F. Afternoon rain showers are common, so pack layers, rain gear, and sturdy footwear.

You’ll receive a packing list before arrival, but essentials typically include:

• Field gear (boots, rain jacket, hat, insect repellent)
• Notebook and writing supplies
• Reusable water bottle and lunch container
• Bedding and towels (if staying on campus)
• Flashlight or headlamp for night work
• Personal items and medications

Our on-site housing is dormitory-style: simple, comfortable, and designed for field station living.

• Expect to share a room with 2–3 students.
• Common areas are cleaned twice weekly; bedrooms are self-maintained.
• A full kitchen is available for meal prep (no meal plan provided).
• Alcohol is allowed only inside residences or dining spaces; underage drinking is prohibited.
• Pets are not permitted (service animals only).

Housing assignments are sent about two weeks before your course begins, along with a packing list and access codes. Check-in starts Sunday at 1 PM before your course; check-out is by noon Saturday after it ends.

• Free Wi-Fi in main buildings (limited in some residences)
• On-site laundry facilities
• Free parking near housing
• Access to the Highlands Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Check-in and checkout times are fixed due to housing turnover, but you can contact us in advance if you need to discuss special arrangements.

Use this address format:

Highlands Biological Station
Attn: [Your Name]
265 N. 6th Street
Highlands, NC 28741

Mail is checked Monday–Friday. We’ll notify you by email when something arrives. If mail comes after you’ve left, you’ll be responsible for return postage.

Expect immersive, hands-on learning. Days often begin early and include a mix of lectures, lab work, and field excursions. Classes frequently extend into the evening for night surveys or data collection, followed by independent study or group discussions.

Absolutely! Students are encouraged to explore the Highlands Botanical Gardens and visit the Nature Center. Both are just steps from campus and open daily.

Yes. Downtown Highlands is a short walk or drive from campus and offers restaurants, cafés, and small shops. Keep in mind that hours can vary seasonally, especially in winter.

If you earned academic credit, transcripts are available through UNC–Chapel Hill or Western Carolina University depending on your registration. For non-credit participants, HBS can issue a certificate of completion upon request.

Stay connected! Follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or reach out to us directly at hbs@wcu.edu

We’re happy to help! Email us anytime at hbs@wcu.edu or call (828) 526-2602.