Archeology students in the field

Department of Anthropology
Location: San Marcos, TX
Course: ANTH 4630: Archaeological Field School
CRN: TBD
Program Director: Dr. Heather Smith, hls36@txstate.edu 
Course Dates: May 18 - June 19, 2026
Travel: May 18 - June 19, 2026
Program Fee: $800
Course Tuition: $2,136.48
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

Texas State University's Archaeological Field School provides hands-on experience at significant archaeological sites like Spring Lake and the Freeman Center, located right on campus! This affordable program offers you essential field training from an accredited institution, meeting requirements for many employers in cultural resource management and archaeology—fields that employ over 90% of anthropology graduates. With flexible scheduling, you can balance coursework, work, and personal commitments while actively engaging with the San Marcos community to promote cultural heritage.

DateActivities
Week 1: May 18 - 22Students will spend week 1 learning to conduct and executing an archaeological survey at the Freeman Center, San Marcos, TX: students will gain hands-on experience participating in an actual archaeological survey being conducted as part of the professor's research agenda and learn skills in GPS, mapping, surface and subsurface reconnaissance, artifact identification, and teamwork. Students will also learn about prehistoric and historic cultural resources in central Texas. All of these are field skills are required by professionals in both the industry and academic sectors.
Weeks 2 - 5: May 26 - June 17Students will spend weeks 2-5 learning to conduct and executing an archaeological excavation at Spring Lake: students will gain hands-on experience participating in an actual archaeological excavation being conducted as part of the professor's research agenda and learn skills in mapping with total data stations and by hand, shovel and trowel excavation, remote sensing, geoarchaeological methods, data recovery, public outreach, curation, and teamwork. Students will also learn about prehistoric and historic cultural resources in central Texas. All of these are field skills are required by professionals in both the industry and academic sectors.
June 18Students will tour the CRM firm located on TXST campus, where they will learn about the curation process that occurs after the survey and excavation portions of archaeological fieldwork.

*Itinerary is subject to change. 

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & SIA.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 22, 2026.

STEP 4

Register for SIA associated course.

Program FAQ

Archaeology field work
Archeology students in the field
Archeology students in the field
Expand FAQ List

  • General Information

    • Priority will be given to TXST undergraduate upperclassmen (i.e. juniors and seniors). Non-Texas State University students can enroll for the class as a non-degree seeking students and have credits transferred to their own institution. Non-university enrolled students should contact the program director Dr. Heather Smith to discuss special allowances to enroll.

      Space is currently limited to 12 students.

    • Yes, the program will take place in San Marcos for the entirety of the five weeks.

    • Please request a letter of recommendation from a professional that has experience working with you and can attest to your (1) interest in archaeology or motivation for taking the field school, (2) ability to work well in a group setting, and (3) address their attendance record and reliability. The professional should email the letter directly to hls36@txstate.edu. Your application will not be considered complete until the letter is received. 

  • Costs

  • Program Preparation

    • No, lodging is not included. If you require lodging in San Marcos, TX, while attending the field school please contact SIA for information about residence halls available on campus for an an additional cost.

    • Yes, you will need a personal vehicle to travel to the program locations each day. 

    • It is highly recommended that you where pants, boots, and good socks during the survey. During the excavation pants or shorts are okay, as are soft-soled tennis shoes. A light long-sleeved shirt and a hat is recommended to help avoid sun burn. 

    • A day pack to hold notebooks, forms, and other recording supplies, plus two refillable water bottles, sunscreen, hat, bandana(s), gloves. Bringing a camera and camping chair is also recommended.

    • The field school will be taught Monday-Friday from 7am - 3pm. Attendance is mandatory.

    • You will need to bring lunch most days. You will be responsible for your own breakfast and dinner outside of field school hours. Please let the field director know about any dietary restrictions prior to the beginning of the field school. There will be water available for refilling bottles each day. 

    • Yes, airconditioned restrooms are available at both the survey and excavation locations.

  • Drop & Refund Policy

    • Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.

    • Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs. See full drop/refund policy.

      Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.