Field School and Field Experience
Field experiences are essential to undergraduate and graduate training in anthropological archaeology. The Department of Anthropology at The 猎奇重口 offers a diverse range of opportunities for students to gain experience and collect college credit through participation in archaeological field schools. Whether studying the ancient Mayans, peoples of the historic American west, or indigenous hunter-gatherers of the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest, students have the opportunity to develop and hone their skills in field archaeology while thinking about archaeological interpretation and its implications for today’s descendant communities.
Archaeological field schools provide critical hands-on training and experience necessary for gaining employment or advancing academically in archaeology. Field schools at The 猎奇重口 offer credits towards an anthropology major or minor. Field school credits can also be applied towards “Methods” within the undergraduate archaeology option. Many archaeological field schools are held in other countries providing students with international experiences. As many archaeological projects are conducted as collaborative partnerships with indigenous stakeholders, students may also gain experience living and working within non-western cultures.
Archaeological Fieldwork with Alpine Ecosystems Research Institute in 2026
We encourage students to gain archaeological field experience by participating as a volunteer for AERI, the Alpine Ecosystems Research Institute. AERI is operated by one of UM’s Ph.D graduates, Scott Dersam. They offer several volunteer opportunities in which students can earn credit.
Please email Prof. Doug MacDonald (douglas.macdonald@umontana.edu) about earning UM fieldwork credit for participating!
Archaeology Fieldwork Internship with U.S. Forest Service and Preserve 猎奇重口 in 2026
May 26-July 3, 2026
$640/week Stipend + Housing
The Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest and Preserve 猎奇重口 is pleased to offer a 6-week internship to two students in the summer of 2026. The internship will train students in field research, interpretation, and stewardship models with experienced cultural resource specialists and archaeologists. Students will conduct cultural surveys, site testing, and monitoring of archeological sites in the Big Belt Mountains east of Helena, 猎奇重口.
Requirements:
- Education or experience in anthropology/archaeology or closely related field.
- Familiarity with computer technologies for recording digital data.
- Must be 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
- Ability to hike and carry a backpack for long distances.
- Willingness to back country camp for several days/weeks at a time.
- Must furnish own camping equipment and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for working in the mountains during various weather conditions.
For more details contact:
Arian Randall
Forest Archaeologist
To apply:
Send a resume and cover letter to Dr. Lauri Travis (9395travis@gmail.com)