Purdue University Fort Wayne Summer 2026 Archaeological Field School

Location: 2100 East Coliseum Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN, USA

Session Dates: May 18 through June 25, 2026

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://www.pfw.edu/liberal-arts/anthropology-sociology/purdue-university-fort-wayne-summer-archaeological-field-school

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Purdue University Fort Wayne

Project Director:
Professors Jamie Cochran-Smith and Andrew Smith

Project Description:

This summer, Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) is offering a six-week-long archaeological field school in May and June 2026. Students will participate in archaeological field investigations in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The goals of the investigations are to: (1) identify and assess undocumented and minimally documented cultural resources, and (2) to conduct test excavations at identified sites. This work will help provide a better understanding of the past in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana.

Students will learn a wide variety of archaeological methods and techniques including surface surveying, field documentation and mapping, excavation, artifact recovery, and geophysical surveying. Most days will be spent in the field with a handful of days spent on the PFW campus for lectures and laboratory processing of artifacts.

Program highlights:

• Develop essential field techniques that form the foundation of professional archaeological practice.
• Gain hands-on experience with surface surveying, excavation, and more advanced geophysical surveying.
• Build practical skills essential to careers in archaeology, cultural resource management, and historical preservation.
• Learn how to interpret, record, and analyze archaeological findings.
• Work closely with faculty mentors with years of experience in the CRM industry and archaeology.
• Collaborate with peers in a supportive, team-based environment that encourages learning.
• Form lasting academic, professional, and personal connections that will support your future career in archaeology.

Academic Credit: ANTH 40501 “Fieldwork in Archaeology” (6-credit-hours) from Purdue Fort Wayne

Cost (including tuition and all program fees, but excluding room & board):

• Indiana residents: $2,842
• Non-Indiana residents: $5,650
• International students: $5,821

For more information and the application: See the Program Website. Applications being accepted now! Contact Dr. Odden (oddenh@pfw.edu) with questions.

 

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: Completion of a university-level introductory course in archaeology or comparable experience is required.

Room and Board Arrangements:
PFW offers housing in fully equipped on-campus apartments. Residents also have access to shared amenities, such as computer labs, pool tables, volleyball and basketball courts. Space is limited so apply early.

Academic Credit:
ANTH 40501 "Fieldwork in Archaeology" (6 credit hours) from Purdue University Fort Wayne.