The UC Davis Anthropology Department offers two opportunities for archaeological field experience:
The UC Davis Archaeology Field School offers hands-on, research-driven training in archaeological field methods (open to both UC Davis students and students from other institutions), and the UC Davis Forensic Archaeology Field School, which is a class devoted to teaching forensic archaeological methods in conjunction with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and the Alta Heritage foundation (this class is open to UC Davis students).
THE 2026 UC DAVIS ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD SCHOOL, ANT 181L
AUG 17-SEPT 11, 2026.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW OPEN
Applications are still open
During the summer field school, students will gain skills in archaeological survey, mapping of archaeological sites, and identification of artifacts, as well as getting to know other ANT students! Please note- it is strongly recommended that all field school participants have completed ANT 181 or enroll in this course in spring 2026.
Students will receive four units of UC Davis academic credit under ANT 181L and have the option to receive additional units under ANT 198 to be eligible for summer financial aid.
Inquiry Contact: John Darwent: [email protected]
Applications: The application procedure consists of submitting a filled application form (link below under Documents below the ANT 188 information), as well as a letter of recommendation and a CV or resume. Letters of recommendation speaking to academic merit or ability to succeed in archaeological work are preferred. The letters do not have to be from a professor or teacher, and we can accept more general work experience letters -- please contact us with questions concerning the application process.
Please submit your applications to John Darwent at [email protected].
Inclusivity Statement - The UC Davis Archaeology Field School expects all participants to abide by the UC Davis Policy on Student Conduct and is dedicated to making the field environment a safe and welcoming place for all students.
2026_UCD_FieldSchoolApplication.pdf
THE 2026 UC DAVIS FORENSIC ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD SCHOOL, ANT 188
JUNE 23-JULY 18, 2026.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW OPEN
This class is focused on giving hands-on experience in a forensic archaeological setting at a World War II bomber crash in southwestern Poland. The class revolves around the application of archaeological field methods to data recovery in forensic or medico-legal cases. Students will be involved in excavating, screening and sorting, washing and cataloging finds, metal detecting, setting up investigation grids, and other project-related activities.
At this time, application to this class is restricted to UC Davis students.
This class is supported by the humanitarian aid programs undertaken by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), and as such, we expect all participants to serve as positive representatives of UC Davis.
Please direct inquiries to John Darwent at [email protected].
Applications: To apply for this class, please fill out the application form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdz9-cJghoU3yV3sCjlEDsoxeFWme_UvLudwXP5QxFvRp-pRA/viewform?usp=header. To complete this application, you will need to complete the application and provide a letter of reference (details are given on the form. Participation in the school does require that students meet certain physical requirements (discussed on the Google Form) due to the intensive nature of the excavation, and they must have a valid passport that does not expire until January 2027 because of requirements to enter the EU.
Applications are due no later than 9 am on Monday, March 16, 2026. Follow-up interviews will take place the week of March 30. Names and passport information for those accepted must be provided by April 16, 2025.
Fees: students will be required to cover their tuition (4x$291 per unit + $414.26 campus fee, a total of $1578.26). Arrangements are in place for students to apply for financial aid for the session.
Inclusivity Statement - The UC Davis Forensic Archaeological Field School expects all participants to abide by the UC Davis Policy on Student Conduct and is dedicated to making the field environment a safe and welcoming place for all students.