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KBS Summer Courses FAQs, 2012 PDF Print E-mail

Both undergraduate and graduate courses are offered yearly at KBS.
Class sizes are small (10-30 students) so there is more direct interaction between students and faculty.

KBS Summer Course FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Why should I take summer courses at KBS--what's the advantage?

KBS summer courses provide students with a unique opportunity to get hands-on field and research experience that addresses applied and theoretical concepts in ecology and evolutionary biology.

Students in residence at KBS become part of a community where they can develop new skills, explore career options, interact with graduate students and faculty from MSU and elsewhere, and form friendships that will last a lifetime.  Courses at KBS give students the opportunity to study ecological issues in both natural and managed system and are research focused.

A KBS summer experience is also fun!  There are lots of recreational opportunities on site such as volleyball, soccer, fishing, swimming, and boating. There are weekly potlucks and bonfires. There is wireless internet throughout the campus so you can stay connected to friends and family too.

I am a student at another institution (besides Michigan State University) ... may I take classes at KBS?

Yes! And, if you are a graduate student at a Big Ten University or the University of Chicago, you may be eligible for the CIC Traveling Scholars Program. (More information about admission to our programs here.)

I usually work during the summer to earn money for school ...Can I work at KBS?

Scholarships and Fellowships are available to cover costs associated with attending summer session at KBS. Tuition awards are available for undergraduate and graduate students to offset the costs of tuition and housing. Graduate students also can apply for research awards.

Students may also apply for part-time jobs working in the library or research labs.

How much does it cost to take a class at KBS?

Tuition at KBS is the same as tuition on MSU's main campus.  Your tuition will depend on where you live and whether you attend MSU.  You can calculate how much your tuition will be using this calculator.

The costs of your housing and meals are listed here.

But remember, there are many scholarships available.

Where is KBS?

The W.K. Kellogg Biological Station is located in southwestern Michigan, on the eastern shore of Gull Lake, between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. KBS is about 65 miles from Michigan State University’s main campus in East Lansing. See directions (maps) for more detailed information.

The 3,600+ acre site includes the Biological Laboratories, Education and Conference Center, Bird Sanctuary, Farm, Land & Water Program Office, Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site, and the Lux Arbor Reserve.

Where do students live during the summer?

You don't have to live on site during the summer--commuter students are welcome. If you do choose to live on-site, you'll live in dormitories or dormitory-style apartments (overlooking Gull Lake!). The KBS cafeteria serves delicious food for very reasonable prices. In fact, "great food" is one of our most common student comments in evaluations!
For more information see housing and meal plans.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Email your questions to  KBSsummer@kbs.msu.edu.
Last Updated on Thursday, 23 February 2012 16:37