Gulf Coast

Go beyond textbooks and lecture halls. Study USA’s travel courses combine academic learning with hands-on, real world experiences. Every class maximizes its unique location with immersive activities. 

You’ll earn academic credit, apply what you’re learning directly to your surroundings, and engage in lively class experiences—all guided by Ole Miss faculty.

What You'll Do

• Visit Gulf Coast Barrier Islands.
• Identify bivalves, study oyster reefs, and observe their restoration.
• Tour natural barriers and learn about restoration efforts.
• Learn about the impact of oil spills, with a focus on Deepwater Horizon, the largest oil spill in history.

All activities are tentative and subject to change depending on scheduling, booking availability, and course adjustments.

What You'll Learn

• Identify key flora and fauna of coastal ecosystems and understand their role as indicators of environmental quality.
• Get hands-on experience with lab and field equipment, and learn sampling methodologies to quantify animals and plants and to explore key questions in coastal management.
• Develop teamwork skills by managing group projects and working with peers to achieve project goals.
• Analyze and synthesize information for independent course projects on human impacts in the coastal zone, culminating in an oral presentation.
• Gain insights from industry experts through direct contact with invited guests from industry, government, and research relevant to Gulf Coast ecology and management.