Natural Science and Education Expeditions | College of Science and Education
At CSE, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our students participate in immersive expeditions and field studies across the globe—gaining real-world skills while exploring God’s creation. This unique approach, rooted in Hands-On Experiential Learning, deepens understanding, builds confidence, and inspires lifelong curiosity.
Where Your Education Takes You
Our expeditions are not just travel—they’re transformational. From tropical rainforests to alpine forests and vibrant marine ecosystems, students engage with nature, science, and culture in powerful and practical ways.
🌿 Costa Rica – Study Biology, Sustainability, and Zoology while living in tropical rainforests and alongside local experts and communities..
🐠 Belize – Dive into Marine Biology in the Caribbean and explore the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
🐸 Panama – Conduct biological field studies experiencing Indigenous cultures.
🌍 Europe & Africa – Discover global conservation efforts and environmental challenges firsthand.
🌲 Alpine, Arizona – Immerse yourself in Forestry, Ecology, and Conservation Biology in high-mountain ecosystems.
🐄 On Campus – Learn Veterinary Science, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry right in our Barnyard, gardens, and greenhouses.
A Natural Science Education that is Affordable and “Possible”!
Whether you’re tracking animal behavior in the wild, collecting water samples in a mangrove, or tending to crops on campus, you’ll experience Hands-On Experiential Learning that connects your faith, your studies, and your calling.
Teach What You Learn
Our expeditions also prepare you to share your knowledge. At CSE’s K–12 “Lab School,” students get the chance to teach younger learners—practicing leadership and reinforcing what they’ve learned in the field.
Piedras Blancas Biological Research Station
(Southern Pacific Costa Rica Rainforest)
This Costa Rican research station is located in one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. It is situated in primary rainforest in the southern-most region of Costa Rica on the Golfo Dulce, an inlet fiord on the Pacific Ocean. Our research station is on the beach and stretches into the rainforest on 115 acres. It is in the famous Piedras Blancas Reservacion a biological corridor for numerous species of animals, plants, insects, and marine life. Home to jaguars, cougars, jaguarundis, ocelots, toucans, scarlet macaws, caiman, turtles, poison dart frogs, leaf cutter ants, and over 300 species of butterflies just to mention a few. The ocean in front of our lodge is home to dolphins, whales, rays and more! Students will be immersed in the rainforest and study numerous different species first hand. Come join the adventure and study in a most awe-inspiring environment!
Belizean Blue Marine Biology Research Station
(Ambergris Caye Island, Belize)
Belize boasts the 2nd Largest Great Barrier Reef in the world and it is directly in front of our research station. Our facility situated right on the beach on Ambergris Caye features some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world! A mecca for Marine Biology students, these Caribbean waters are teeming with marine life.
Sea turtles, stingrays, nurse sharks, eels, giant eagle rays, queen conchs, starfish, sea cucumbers, sea biscuits, sea urchins, numerous coral species, the endangered manatee, beautiful fish species and even dolphins, just to name a few.
Just down the road from our station is the Gonzales Mayan ruin as well. Expeditions to the mainland extend your studies to the numerous Mayan Ruins and interesting Mayan culture. The Belizean people are very diverse and share exciting traditions and foods with you, including their delicious home-grown chocolates from their cacao farms. Come climb and swim your way through your courses in Belize. You won’t Belize how beautiful it is!!! What a way to earn college credits!!!
Quinta Clara Biological Research Station
(High mountainous region of Costa Rica)
This nice cool station is in the high mountains near Volcan Poas, surrounded by coffee Plantations, mountain Tico culture and nearby Cloud Forests. Located also on a river, this station offers studies in plants and animals living in the cooler forests and feature many opportunities to enjoy the Costa Rican culture and traditions. Visit coffee plantations, Artisan craftsmen, volcanos, cloud forests, historical churches, schools, world heritage sites and even learn Spanish while in the beautiful country. Our famous “Sea Turtle Rescue” field study uses this station as its base while venturing to the Pacific coast to save the Olive Ridley Sea turtles on Ostional Beach. It is the largest sea turtle nesting beach in the world!!! Just as the name Costa Rica means “rich coast”, your college studies will be “rich” with experiences you will never forget while in this extremely biodiverse country! Pura Vida!!!
Golfito Reserve Biological Research Station
(Golfito, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula)
This research station is located at the base of the fabulous Golfito Reserve in Costa Rica. This region is primary rainforest on the last frontier of Costa Rica called “La Frontera”. Our station is bordered by the rainforest and a river which runs right up into the reserve filled with natural volcanic formed waterfalls and hundreds of species of rainforest wildlife.
This station is equipped with plenty of living space, sleeps 24 persons, full bathroom and kitchen facilities and internet access for researching information to accompany our full rainforest biology library and daily and nightly field excursions. The quaint little fishing village of Golfito is just outside the door and access to all “town” necessities are minutes away. A hospital, airport and boat taxi services are also available. Studying any course in this biodiverse environment is an experience that you will never forget. Come join the fun and learn in a zoological paradise!!!
Alpine Highlands Biological Station
(Alpine, AZ forests)
This research station is located at 8,100’ above sea level. It is nestled in the beautiful pine forests of Northern Arizona. This region features many types of coniferous and fir trees. You’ll also find oaks, aspens, piñons, junipers, and cedars.
Wildlife in the area includes elk herds, black bears, mountain lions, big horn sheep, and mountain goats. You may also see beavers, pronghorn, skunks, wild turkeys, Canadian geese, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, owls, jackrabbits, and the Mexican grey wolf—just to name a few!
Students will complete field studies in this region. They will also have opportunities to work with Game & Fish, Forest Rangers, and Fire Control Rangers. The surrounding forest is rich with lakes, home to eight types of trout.
It stays cool year-round.
Cedar Ridge Wilderness Research Station
(Snowflake, AZ on the Mogollon Rim)
A geological wonderland in the highlands of Arizona. This wilderness research station is located on 150 acres in between Snowflake and Concho, AZ. Geological studies, forest wildlife, and ancient Native American studies are evidenced in this land region. Hike and explore the arroyos and mesas while being immersed in the geology and cultures of many years past. Discover native wildlife and migratory patterns of elk, deer, mountain lions and more. Excursions from this station are taken depending on the course being studied. Go north and go WILD!!!
Sonoran Desert Biological Research Station
(Saddleback Mountain Region, Tonopah, AZ)
Located just 50 miles west of Phoenix; This 40 acre site is situated in the Sonoran Desert with Saddleback Mountain as a backdrop. Wildlife of the Sonoran desert include many reptiles , birds and mammals. Ecological studies of the Desert Ecosystems are prolific, as well as traces of ancient Native Americans. Enjoy the heat of the day. Enjoy the cool of the night. Explore the delicate balance within this Desert biome.
Other International Study Opportunities
Italy – Art, History, and Language Expedition
This is a 2-week expedition. It includes 3 courses for a total of 9 credits. It is not required but open to all students. This expedition is only offered in the summer semester.
Courses include:
ART 210: The Great Art Masters I (3 credits)
ITAL 200: Conversational Italian (3 credits)
HIST 210: Ancient Civilizations I (3 credits)
Africa-A Zoological and Cultural Expedition: This 2 week, 3 course, 10 credits, expedition takes students on an African Safaris studying the great animals of Africa, its Indigenous tribes and the Cultures of Africa.
Courses included:
BIO 449(4credits)
HUM 312(3 credits)
ART 312(3 credits).
(This expedition is only offered in the summer semester at this time.)
Ready to Begin Your Adventure?
Start your journey today and make the world your classroom.
📍 6313 W Southern Ave, Laveen, AZ 85339
📞 623-900-2230