Any advice on studying volcanoes in the northeastern US?

I'm fascinated by geology, especially volcanoes, and I'm curious about opportunities to study them in the northeastern US. What are some universities or programs in this region I should look into?

The Northeastern US might not be the first region to come to mind for studying volcanoes, owing primarily to the region's geologic stability. However, this doesn't mean that there's a shortage of academic programs related to Geology or more specifically, Volcanology. Here are some worthy options:

1. University of Massachusetts Amherst: Their Geosciences Department offers various geology programs with courses in volcanology. You can also participate in research through faculty who specialize in volcanoes and magma processes.

2. Boston University: The Department of Earth & Environment hosts a strong Geoscience program. They also have faculty specializing in geophysics and geodynamics - fields closely related to volcanology.

3. Columbia University: Located in New York, Earth and Environmental Science offers programs with courses in volcanology. Plus, Columbia is home to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, a leading research institution in Earth sciences.

4. Pennsylvania State University: Their College of Earth and Mineral Sciences offers Geosciences programs with courses in volcanology. Penn State also provides opportunities for undergraduates to be involved in research.

Remember - although the Northeast of the US isn't a hotspot for volcanic activity, you can still study volcanoes from a theoretical perspective or by using data from other areas of the world. This theoretical basis can then be complemented by field studies or internships in more volcanically active regions.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that an understanding of volcanoes often comes within a larger study of earth sciences or geology. Therefore, working on a strong basis in these broader subjects can provide a solid foundation for more specialized study in volcanology.

Finally, look for opportunities to participate in research projects or independent studies in the field. Universities often collaborate with different institutions around the world, providing the chance for geology students to gain hands-on experience in locations beyond their immediate region. This could open up opportunities for travel to more volcanically active parts of the world as part of your studies.