RMBL is a private, independent field station, unaffiliated with any university. As a non-degree granting institution it is not accredited. Accredited transfer credits are available only by registering through Western Colorado University.

The RMBL Education Program (Summer Research Experience) awards the equivalent of 10 credits to all students who successfully complete the program. Students may choose to pursue credit options through Western Colorado University or simply receive a transcript indicating program completion through RMBL.  All students are enrolled in the same Summer Education Program for 10 credits- we use the “course” designation to allow students to transfer credits if that is their choice.

Here are the options:

Independent Research I (3 or 5 credits) and II (5 credits). The Full Time Independent Research meets equivalent of 5 full days per week for 10 weeks. Students conduct background research, design a project and present a research proposal, conduct the study, analyze and present results graphically, orally, and in writing.  In addition, students attend weekly skills workshops (GPS/GIS, statistical and graphical analyses, communication) and career-building discussions of Responsible Conduct of Research, Ethics, scientific integrity, working in teams, safety in field research, and pathways to STEM careers. Research I is first 5 weeks of program, Research II is second 5 weeks.

Syllabus:  Independent Research I and II RMBL Independent Research Syllabus 2026

Syllabus for BIOL 397: Rocky Mountain Ecosystems: 2026_Ecosystems_Syllabus

Syllabus for BIOL 397: Rocky Mountain Wildlife: Wildlife Syllabus_26

Rocky Mountain Wildlife (2 cr.) + Independent Research I (3 cr.) and II (5 cr.). The Wildlife course meets 2/days week for 8 days June 15-July 10). Students engage in Independent Research courses as described above for remainder of time.  Syllabus: Wildlife Syllabus_26

Rocky Mountain Ecosystems (2 cr.) + Independent Research I (3 cr.) and II (5 cr.) The Ecosystem course meets 2/days week for 8 days June 15-July 10). Students engage in Independent Research courses as described above for remainder of time. Syllabus: 2026_Ecosystems_Syllabus

Program completion/Course credits issued directly by RMBL are sometimes accepted at colleges and universities in the US, but students should take a copy of the course syllabi and check with their school Registrar before the program begins to be sure that this is true. We suggest you get a signed statement from your registrar’s office documenting that your university will in fact accept RMBL’s credits.

If you encounter any reluctance to accept RMBL credit, you have the option of receiving credit from Western Colorado University (WCU) in Gunnison,  Colorado. WCU is accredited and your Registrar can confirm that they accept the credits. You may need to provide the Western course numbers, credits, and the course syllabi.

To receive credits from Western Colorado University there is an additional fee per credit and you must register before the session begins. Students receiving scholarships from RMBL are eligible for reduced fees. This will be noted in your scholarship/REU award letter.  Important: You will not be able to apply for WCU credit after the summer session begins or at the end of the summer.

WESTERN application link and Instructions for Students 2026 has the information on the STEPS to Enroll at WCU for credit. You must apply to Western Colorado University, Center for Learning and Innovation/Outdoor Partners Program and navigate to RMBL.  Western will send you an invoice to pay the fees before the summer session begins. Late forms are NOT accepted. See below for information on paying the RMBL program fees with 529/Americorps funds through WCU.

RMBL Courses as listed on the Western Registration form are as follows:

BIOL 397     Independent Research I (3 credits)

BIOL 397     Independent Research I (5 credits)

BIOL 397     Independent Research II (5 credits)

BIOL 397     Rocky Mountain Ecosystems (2 credits)

BIOL 397     Rocky Mountain Wildlife (2 credits)

RMBL students can register with Western for 2 to 10 credits for the summer, using a combination of the above courses.

For example:

Short course (2) + Independent Research I (3) + Independent Research II (5) OR any combination of these 3 courses.

Independent Research I (5 credits) + Independent Research II (5 credits) OR any combination of these two courses.

There are no prerequisites for courses and students can select any or all of the credit options specific to their set of courses.

Current WCU students will need to register for their classes through extended education and pay the WCU fee.

Special Note:  If you plan to pay the RMBL Program Fee with either 529 plan or Americorps funds you MUST register for at least one course for credit through Western Colorado University and notify Rosemary Smith so that your RMBL Program Fee can be added to the Invoice from Western Colorado University.  There is a 2% pass-through fee for paying via 529/Americorps funds through Western.  There is no fee for paying the RMBL program fee directly to RMBL, but you cannot use 529/Americorps funds for direct pay.

Questions?  Please email Dr. Rosemary Smith (rsmith@rmbl.org).