Location: Indiana, PA, USA
Season: June 29, 2026 to August 7, 2026
Session Dates: 29 June - 7 August 2026
Application Deadline: June 22, 2026
Deadline Type: Rolling
Website: https://www.iup.edu/ages/research/forensic-archaeology-field-school.html
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Project Director:
Andrea Palmiotto
Project Description:
The Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) is pleased to offer a 6-week (6 credit) Forensic Field School (ANTH 481/581) from 29 JUNE – 7 AUGUST 2026 in collaboration with the Indiana County Coroner’s Office (ICCO). The Field School is divided into three (3) 2-week modules including Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Geology, and Forensic Archaeology and is co-taught by Drs. Palmiotto, Warnock, and Chadwick at the IUP main campus in Indiana, Pennsylvania (~1.5 hrs east of Pittsburgh, PA). Students must attend for all 6 weeks.
Weeks 1-2: Forensic anthropology, including skeletal analysis and autopsy observations at the ICCO. Students will receive training in human/non-human identification, photography, biological profile, documentation, and more.
Weeks 3-4: Forensic geology, including analysis of sediments, pollens, and algae.
Weeks 5-6: Forensic archaeology, including recovery of scattered scenes and clandestine burials. Students will receive training in pedestrian survey, soil probes, geophysical methods, excavation, and spatial documentation.
This course is a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity that provides students a platform for introduction and enhancement of their forensic science field skills. We will also have guest lectures from a variety of professionals and demonstrations of additional field and laboratory techniques.
Non-IUP students must enroll as a visiting student to IUP for the summer and are responsible for 6 credits of tuition based on their academic status and state of residency.
Visiting Student Office can be contact through: https://www.iup.edu/admissions/additional-pathways/visiting-and-non-degree-students/index.html
Details about cost per credit for summer courses can be found at: https://www.iup.edu/student-billing/tuitionfees/summer-tuition-and-fees.html
Housing is also available if needed for the duration of the field school. Details can be found at: https://www.iup.edu/summer/costs-and-housing/index.html
Please see attached flyer and our website, which include additional details about the field school. https://www.iup.edu/ages/research/forensic-archaeology-field-school
Students are welcome to contact Dr. Andrea Palmiotto (apalmiot@iup.edu) with any questions.
Period(s) of Occupation: Forensic Archaeology
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 6 weeks
Room and Board Arrangements:
https://www.iup.edu/summer/costs-and-housing/index.html
