Students interested in a well-rounded anthropological education and especially those students interested in archaeology as a career are urged to register for the Archaeology Field School (ANTH 490) offered in the Fall. This course introduces students to archaeological field methods and techniques. The course provides hands-on instruction in the basic methods of field archaeology. These include site survey, excavation, sampling, mapping, field photography, and basic laboratory methods. Impromptu workshops will be held on site; subjects will include public archaeology, geophysical survey, stratigraphy, artifact identification, site information processes, CRM archaeology, professional ethics, and more. Notably, most federal agencies and private sector archaeological consulting firms, now require a field school as appropriate training for entry-level positions in archaeology.
Where
Tentatively, the site to be investigated is Fort Boise. Fort Boise was built in 1863 by the United States Army as a base of operations during a period of tension between local Indigenous communities and incoming Euro-American settlers and miners. US Army and National Guard personnel were garrisoned at the fort, which became known as the Boise Barracks in 1879, until 1919. Since that time, the location has been used primarily for medical facilities.
Although archaeological investigations have been conducted at various locations within the area encompassed by the fort, most of these have been management projects undertaken to assess the impact of construction activities on buried archaeological deposits.
The Boise State University archaeological field school will investigate and promote the stewardship of the cultural and archaeological resources at Fort Boise.
Enrollment
Enrollment is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Course prerequisites include ANTH 103 Intro to Archaeology and PERM/INST. The field school restricts enrollment to 20 persons to ensure a quality experience for each student. Since enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Preference will be given to anthropology majors. Once you have been notified of your acceptance into the field school, a permission number will be issued to register for the class. Talk to your advisor about how to apply for Fall 2026 or contact Rob Mann robmann@boisestate.edu.
Cost
Upon registering for ANTH 490 the field school course fee is $800 and will include lunch. Students will earn 6 credit hours. For graduate credit please contact instructor.
Scholarship Opportunities
Boise State Anthropology Department Scholarships
The Department of Anthropology offers several scholarships to both graduate and undergraduate students. All Scholarships are award based on academic achievement and/or demonstration of financial need. You must be admitted to Boise State University and have an active myBoiseState account in order to apply. Learn more about available scholarships and how to apply.
Archaeological Institute of America Scholarship
The Archaeological Institute of America offers a scholarship to first-time participants in an archaeological field school.
Sponsor: Archaeological Institute of America
Program Number: 98176
Title: Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarship
Email: dbaker@aia.bu.edu
Website: Field School Scholarships
Synopsis: Established in honor of AIA Past President Jane Waldbaum, this scholarship is intended to help students who are planning to participate in archaeological fieldwork for the first time. Students majoring in archaeology or related disciplines are especially encouraged to apply.
The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) Historically Underrecognized Student Archaeology Scholarships (HUSAS)
The Historically Underrecognized Student Archaeology Scholarships endowment fund was established in 2010 to increase the recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups obtaining degrees in archaeology. The SAA HUSAS provides funding for minority archaeology students to attend archaeological field schools and thus prepare for careers in archeology and heritage management. The submission period opens on October 1 annually. Learn more about the HUSAS award and how to apply.