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The College Field Semester in Regenerative Design is designed for motivated young adults who are seeking a deeper, more immersive college experience—one that integrates academic rigor with hands-on learning in the field. It is well suited for students in a gap or transition year, college students looking for a credit-bearing off-campus semester, and learners who are drawn to nature connection, systems thinking, and meaningful real-world work. Students who thrive in this program are curious, self-reflective, and ready to engage physically, intellectually, and collaboratively in place-informed learning.

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Interests may include:

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  • Sustainability Education

  • Regenerative Development and Design

  • Field Ecology

  • Ecological Systems Management

  • Conservation

  • Land Stewardship

  • Outdoor Education

  • Place-based and Place-informed Education

  • Environmental Humanities

  • Systems Thinking

  • Nature Based Human Development, Initiation and Rites of Passage 

Admission and tuition

The College Field Semester in Regenerative Design is designed for motivated young adults who are seeking a deeper, more immersive college experience—one that integrates academic rigor with hands-on learning in the field. It is well suited for students in a gap or transition year, college students looking for a credit-bearing off-campus semester, and learners who are drawn to nature connection, systems thinking, and meaningful real-world work. Students who thrive in this program are curious, self-reflective, and ready to engage physically, intellectually, and collaboratively in place-informed learning.​​

Who Is This Program For?

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The College Field Semester in Regenerative Design is designed for students at different points in their college journey who want learning to be meaningful, applied, and connected to the real world.

 

This program is a strong fit for:

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Students transitioning into college

Including gap year students or those who took time after high school and are ready to begin earning college credit in a more grounded, experiential way. The Field Semester provides a supported bridge into academic life while helping students clarify interests, values, and direction.

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First- and second-year college students

Who want to move beyond lecture-based learning and explore environmental science, sustainability, environmental humanities, or social-ecological systems through hands-on field experience.

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Sophomore- and junior-level students
Seeking a rigorous, credit-bearing field semester that applies classroom learning to real landscapes, communities, and regenerative design projects.

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Across all pathways, students who thrive are curious, adaptable, and open to growth. This is not a traditional gap year and not a traditional classroom semester—it’s an accredited college field semester designed to help students move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

​Student Interests may include:

​

  • Sustainability Education

  • Regenerative Development and Design

  • Field Ecology

  • Ecological Systems Management

  • Watershed Management 

  • Conservation

  • Land Stewardship

  • Outdoor Education

  • Place-based and Place-informed Education

  • Environmental Humanities

  • Living Systems Thinking

  • Nature Based Human Development

  • Initiation and Rites of Passage 

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field semester cost

$24,500
(*Includes Prescott College Tuition)

When families compare the cost of a traditional college semester—including tuition, housing, meal plans, books, and fees—the total investment often approaches or exceeds the cost of the College Field Semester in Regenerative Design. What differs is the value students receive in return. Rather than spending a semester largely in classrooms, students in the Field Semester are immersed in hands-on, place-informed education that includes extended fieldwork, mentoring, and applied learning experiences rarely available in conventional academic settings. The program includes multi-day backpacking and rafting expeditions, field travel to national parks and significant regional landscapes, and cross-cultural Indigenous service-learning experiences.

 

Students work closely with faculty and mentors on real regenerative design projects with community partners, culminating in a capstone project that integrates personal growth, systems thinking, and applied regenerative practice. All of this is delivered within a credit-bearing academic framework, with 16 college credits awarded, making the Field Semester not only a deeply transformative experience, but also a rigorous and cost-effective alternative to a traditional semester on campus.

Cost Comparison
field semester vs Colorado university boulder 

Cu Boulder
Resident
Per Semester
Cu Boulder
nonResident
Per Semester
WSI Field Semester
College Tuition,
On-Campus Housing and Food
$16,555
$31,626
$24,500
Books and Supplies
$600
$600
Included
6 Day Backpacking Expedition
Included
4 Day River Rafting Expedition 
Included
5 Day Indigenous Community Service-Learning Experience
Included
Student Gear (Tents, Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Pads, Rain Jacket/Pants)
Included
National Park Visits Including Canyonlands and Arches 
Included
Regenerative Project Fieldwork with Local Organizations 
Included
Additional Excursions and Field Coursework with Sustainability Experts 
Included
Total
$17,155
$32,226
$24,500
**CU Boulder website per semester
*Field Semester Early Bird Discount Register by May 15th  (-$2,000)
*College Tuition portion is paid directly to Prescott College and is eligible to be paid for using Americorps Education Awards 
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Admissions Process

Step 1: Complete the WSI Online Application

Students begin by completing the Western Slope Institute application, which includes:

 

  • Short essay responses related to academic interests, outdoor and group-living experience, stress management, and interest in regenerative design and living systems

  • Two references (one academic)

  • Basic academic and personal background information

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Priority / Early Bird Deadline: May 15, 2026

​Applications received after May 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.

Final Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

 

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Step 2: Application Review​

WSI reviews all application materials to assess readiness for an immersive, field-based semester. This review helps ensure students are prepared for the academic, physical, and community aspects of the program.

Step 3: Interview

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a live video interview with a WSI faculty member or program director.

 

The interview is a required part of the admissions process and serves as a two-way conversation to:

 

  • Discuss the structure and expectations of the program

  • Explore student interests and goals

  • Confirm readiness for immersive field learning and group living

  • Answer questions from students (and parents, if appropriate)

  • Parents and guardians are welcome to join part or all of the interview conversation if desired.

Step 4: Admission Decision

Applicants will be notified of their admission decision via email following the interview.

 

  • Admission offers are made on a rolling basis, as cohort spaces are limited.

Step 5: Acceptance and Program Deposit

To secure a space in the program, accepted students must submit a program deposit within 10 business days of acceptance.

 

  • The deposit is applied toward the total program cost.​

  • Details regarding deposit amount, refunds, and cancellation policies are outlined on the Payments, Withdrawals & Cancellations page.

Step 6: Prescott College Registration

Once the program deposit is received, accepted students will be provided with instructions and a direct link to complete their registration with Prescott College for the 16 academic credits associated with the College Field Semester in Regenerative Design.

 

  • This step ensures students are officially enrolled for credit and that coursework appears on a Prescott College transcript.

  • Tuition cost is paid directly to Prescott College at $125 per credit (16 credits for the program = $2,000) which is deducted from the total program cost of $24,500. 

  • The $2,000 for Prescott College tuition is eligible to be paid for using Americorps Education Award funds.

Step 7: Enrollment Confirmation & Pre-Semester Preparation

After deposit and Prescott College registration are complete, enrollment is confirmed. Students will receive:

 

  • Pre-semester materials

  • Medical and risk management forms

  • Gear guidance

  • Orientation and logistics information

Schedule a call with Dr. Biederman to ask questions and learn more about the program. 

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