Archaeology Field School

Towson University offers a 3.0 credit summer archaeological field school to teach students the basic skills needed to conduct field archaeology in the United States.

Upcoming field schools

2026 Archaeological Field School

The next archaeological field school offered by Towson University will be taught by Dr. Robert Wall. Excavations will take place at the Barton site, an early Native American site in Cumberland, Maryland. Interested students should contact Dr. Wall at .

2027 Archaeological Field School

The Baltimore Community Archaeology Lab will offer an archaeological field school at North Point State Park in Edgemere, Maryland during Summer 2027. This field school will be conducted by BCAL Director, Dr. Katherine Sterner.

Student screening soil
Students screening soil
Staff mapping ruins
Students examining artifacts
Staff mapping units
Student screening soil
Student excavating a shovel test
 

Program Goals

Students learn advanced techniques in archaeological research by performing as part of a research team. They will be trained in and gain experience with:

  • archaeological survey
  • mapping
  • excavation
  • public engagement
  • laboratory techniques

Students perform all functions as research assistants, including manual labor, recording and data synthesis. Work is conducted on legitimate archaeological sites under the direction of a principal investigator. All work is performed in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards and all federal, state and local regulatory restrictions.

Teaching Methods

Students conduct hands-on, participatory research in the field with the instructor and teaching assistants an average of 40 hours-per-week for 3.5 weeks (3 credits). In addition, reading assignments from a field manual are given. Students are taught shovel test survey, unit and feature excavation, mapping, geomorphology, documenting ruins and post-field laboratory processing.

Program Information

Two four week sessions are offered during the summer semester. Specific dates will be posted once the 2027 academic calendar is released.

Learn more about the 2024 BCAL Field School program.

Syllabus and Schedule

Learn more about interim archaeological field opportunities.

Learn More

Program Cost and Funding

This program is 3.0 credits. Check with the Student and University Billing Office for current tuition rates.

Enrollment

TU students can register through their Towson Online Services portal. Non-TU college students can register as Non-Degree Applicants. High School students can register through the High School Dual Enrollment program. 

Housing

University Housing is available during the summer semester as long as the student meets eligibility requirements. For more information about summer eligibility, timelines, and information on how to apply, please visit Housing & Residence Life’s Summer Housing webpage.

For more information, contact the BCAL Director