Take a tour of the CSU Desert Studies Center
Located in the Mojave National Preserve, the CSU Desert Studies Center is a hub for hands-on learning, interdisciplinary research, and exploration of the desert environment.
What is the csu desert studies center?
Brought to you by CSUF University Extension, the CSU Desert Studies Center (DSC), located at the heart of California’s Mojave Desert, offers unique weekend courses designed to explore the region’s rich natural, cultural, and historical landscape. Each course combines engaging classroom discussion with immersive fieldwork experiences, allowing participants to learn directly from the desert environment.
Whether your interests lie in ecology, geology, art, history, or environmental studies, these courses provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the desert from multiple perspectives — not all of them science-based.
Course Subjects
- Anthropology/Archaeology
- Astronomy
- Geology
- Natural History
- Ornithology
What does a CSU Desert Studies Center weekend adventure include?
Spend a weekend at the CSU Desert Studies Center where learning extends beyond the classroom into one of California’s most inspiring landscapes. Each weekend course earns 1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and is open to students, lifelong learners, educators, and professionals alike. The course fee is $320, which includes:
- Two nights of dorm-style lodging
- Five meals
- All course materials
- Engaging instruction from expert educators
- Interactive, on-site activities and field experiences
Experience a weekend of discovery, insight, and applied learning in a unique desert setting.
What is the upcoming CSU Desert Studies Center course?
NEW COURSE
October 16-18, 2026
(with an evening Zoom lecture on October 13)
Birds of the Eastern Mojave Desert
Discover the remarkable diversity of birds that move through the Mojave Desert each spring and fall. More than 240 bird species have been recorded at the Desert Studies Center at Zzyzx, making this seemingly harsh landscape an exceptional place to explore bird migration, desert ecology, and natural history.
This field-based course begins with a Tuesday evening Zoom lecture and discussion introducing bird migration through the desert, the diversity and natural history of Mojave birds, and the critical role desert oases play as stopover habitat for migrating species.
During the weekend, participants travel by car caravan to oases near Death Valley, including Baker, Salt Creek, Shoshone, Tecopa, and China Ranch. These desert springs and marshes serve as vital stopover “traps” for migrating birds, offering food, water, and shelter. Depending on conditions, a wide range of waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, and colorful passerines may be seen.
Additional short hikes around the Desert Studies Center and Soda Spring provide opportunities to observe both migrant and resident birds in the early morning, with an evening outing and night hike offering a different view of desert wildlife. Reptiles and mammals are also often active.
Participants will learn field observation and bird identification skills while exploring desert ecology, adaptations, and the importance of oasis habitats for migratory birds.
Who should attend: Beginners will gain a foundation in field observation and bird identification; experienced birders can refine skills and add species to their life lists. Ideal for ornithology and natural history students, desert ecology enthusiasts, docents, naturalists, and teachers seeking classroom ideas.
Registration details coming soon.
What courses have we offered?
3D Close Range Sensing of Arid Environments
Step into the Mojave Desert and learn how scientists capture the landscape in 3D. This hands-on, three-day field course introduces students to cutting-edge geospatial technologies used to study desert terrain. Led by Dr. Stratis Karantanellis (Geological Sciences, CSU Fullerton), this immersive experience combines drone flights, terrestrial LiDAR scanning, field surveys, and GIS-based data analysis to turn real-world observations into high-resolution digital surface models.
New course date coming soon.
Note: Watch Dr. Stratis Karantanellis' interview as he discussed the inspiration behind
the course, technical and interpersonal skills students will gain.
How do I register for a CSU Desert Studies Center course?
Registration is opening soon for our new course. Please sign up below to receive information on upcoming courses.
Refund Policy
Room and Board Fee: Full refund available if requested at least 14 days prior to arrival. Please review the CSU Desert Studies Center refund policy or contact desertstudies@fullerton.edu.
Course Fee: A full refund minus a $10 fee per class will be issued if requested at least 14 days prior to arrival. Please contact extension@fullerton.edu for more information.
No Refund issued if requested less than 14 days before the arrival date.
Where is the CSU Desert Studies Center?
Nestled within the Mojave National Preserve, the CSU Desert Studies Center is a field station dedicated to education, research, and environmental appreciation. Operated by the California State University system, the Center is situated on a historic site at Zzyzx, California, surrounded by striking desert scenery, natural springs, and a rich diversity of plant and animal life. It provides a one-of-a-kind setting where learning truly comes alive.
For directions and additional information, visit the CSU Desert Studies Center website
DSC Physical Address:
Campus Affiliates
