2026 Archaeology Field School
Learn the techniques. Unearth the past.
Explore archaeology in Indiana—
up close and hands-on.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
This summer, Purdue University Fort Wayne is offering a six-week-long archaeological field school in May and June 2026. Students will participate in archaeological field investigations in Fort Wayne, Allen County, 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.
The goals of these investigations are (1) to identify and assess undocumented and minimally documented cultural resources and (2) to conduct test excavations at identified sites. This work will provide a better understanding of the past in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana.
program highlights:
Develop essential field techniques that form the foundation of professional archaeological practice.
Gain hand-on experience with surfacing surveying, advanced excavation, and more advance geophysical surveying techniques.
Build practical skills that apply to careers in archaeology, cultural resource management, heritage preservation.
Learn how to interpret, record, and analyze archaeological findings using established field and laboratory methods.
Work closely with faculty mentors who bring years of experience in the Cultural Resource Management industry.
Collaborate with peers in a supportive, team-based environment that encourages learning and discovery.
Form lasting academic, professional, and personal connections that will support your future career in archaeology.
DATES: May 18, 2026 - June 25, 2026
TIME: Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00 AM-5:00PM
INSTUCTORS: Professors Jamie Cochran-Smith and Andrew Smith
CREDITS: 6
Applications being reviewed now
Applications are reviewed as they are received beginning December 15th. If accepted, students must submit a $450 non-refundable deposit to reserve their space in the program. The deposit will count towards the program fee. Non-PFW students will also need to apply to PFW as non-degree-seeking students. There is no application fee, and all information on how to apply will be provided. Please contact Dr. Hal Odden ([email protected]) if you have questions.
TUITION:
PFW students and Indiana residents: $1,906.44
Non- Indiana residents: $4,714.74
International students: $4,885.50
PROGRAM FEES:
$935.00
*Note: Program fees include field equipment, such as trowels, levels, rulers, and gloves that students will take home at the end of the course.
TOTAL:
PFW & Indiana residents $2,841.44
Non-Indiana residents $5,649.74
International students $5,820.5
Students requiring housing for the course may be accommodated at the Waterfield Campus. The campus offers apartments rather than traditional dorms, with each unit equipped with a full kitchen including a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Residents also have access to shared amenities, such as computer labs, pool tables, volleyball and basketball courts. If you need housing, please contact Dr. Hal Odden ([email protected])
INSTRUCTORS
Jamie Cochran-Smith
Professor of Practice in Anthropology
Andrew Smith
Professor of Practice in Anthropology
meet professor cochran-smith
Jamie Cochran-Smith is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Her areas of expertise include North American archaeology, cultural resource management, and environmental consulting. Jamie is a Secretary of the Interior qualified archaeologist and historian, and she is listed on the Register of Professional Archaeologists. Additionally, Jamie is Vice President of Cultural Resources at RESCOM Environmental Corp, a nationwide environmental consulting firm. As part of the RESCOM leadership team, she participates in making business decisions, guiding overall business functions, implementing business plans, and overseeing certain operations. Jamie has over fifteen years of experience in the environmental consulting and cultural resource management sectors. During her career, she has participated in archaeological investigations in many states and consultations in all fifty states and Washington, D.C.
EDUCATION
- M.L.I.S.: Library and Information Science, Indiana University
- M.A.: Anthropology, Ball State University
- B.A.: Anthropology, Indiana University
Courses Taught at Purdue Fort Wayne
- ANTH 20003 Intro Prehistoric Archaeology
- ANTH 31300 Archaeology of North America
- ANTH 40002 Archaeological Methods & Techniques
- ANTH 40501 Fieldwork in Archaeology
meet professor smith
Andrew Smith is a practicing archaeologist with more than 15 years of experience. He has conducted fieldwork or led work as a Principal Investigator in more than 30 states. Andrew is a Secretary of the Interior qualified archaeologist and historian and is listed on the Register of Professional Archaeologists. His focus in on North American archaeology, and in addition to work in the United States, Mr. Smith is licensed as a professional archaeologist in the Province of Ontario by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. Mr. Smith is a lithic specialist with a focus on identification and material sourcing. He is the Chief Operating Officer at RESCOM Environmental Corp where he helps lead a team of cultural resource and environmental professionals. He is a Professor of Practice at Purdue Fort Wayne where he has taught archaeology courses since 2020.
EDUCATION
- M.A.: Anthropology, Ball State University
- B.A.: Anthropology, Indiana University
Courses Taught at Purdue Fort Wayne
- ANTH 20003 Intro Prehistoric Archaeology
- ANTH 31300 Archaeology of North America
- ANTH 40002 Archaeological Methods & Techniques
- ANTH 40501 Fieldwork in Archaeology
Turn Summer Into a Journey of Exploration
Join us in uncovering the hidden stories of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. Through immersive fieldwork, small-group instruction, and hands-on lab sessions, you’ll gain valuable skills that bridge classroom learning with real-world discovery. Be part of a team that’s not just studying history—but actively revealing it.
Please email [email protected] for any application issues. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until program fills or final deadline passes.