2026 Field School

2026 University of Oklahoma
Archaeological Field School

Black Mesa, Oklahoma

May 17 through June 6, 2026

The 2026 University of Oklahoma Archaeological Field School will be held in Black Mesa Oklahoma at several Late Precontact stone circle (or tipi ring) sites. The project will teach students how to conduct archaeological surveys and excavations. Students will earn 3 credit hours.

How to Apply

To apply, download and complete the Application Form (pdf). Email the completed form to Dr. Jennifer Haney at jmhaney@ou.edu using the subject line “2026 Field School Application.” You will be notified of your acceptance to the program after the application deadline date. Only students who are accepted into the program may enroll.

The application deadline is March 20, 2026.

General Information

Class

Fieldwork in Archaeology – ANTH 3930 (3 credit hours). Those with a previous field school can discuss with the instructors enrolling in ANTH 4930 – Advanced Fieldwork in Anthropology (3 credit hours).

Dates

May 17 to June 6, 2026. Travel from Norman to Black Mesa will happen on May 17, travel back to Norman will happen on June 6.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and must be 18 years of age or older by May 17, 2026.

Costs

There are two main costs for this program, plus an application fee for non-OU students.

OU Tuition and Fees: Cost for tuition and fees for OU students will vary depending on the student. OU’s flat rate tuition policy means that OU students that have not enrolled in 30 credit hours during the fall and spring will be discounted the tuition and some fees during the summer. Students not enrolled at OU will have to pay additional tuition and fees. Visit the Bursar Website for more information on the cost of tuition and fees. Please work with the Bursar to calculate your exact expense.
Room and Board: All students will be required to pay a room and board fee of around $600-$850. This amount may change somewhat as we know final enrollment and will be finalized when acceptance notices go out.
Application Fee for non-OU students: Non-OU students will need to pay an application fee to become non-degree undergraduate visitors at OU. (Do not start this process until you are notified of acceptance to the field school.) The application fee is $50 for domestic students and $100 for international students. More information can be found on the Apply Website.

Lodging and Meals

We will be camping for the duration of the field school. Our home base will be the Black Mesa State Park group campsite in the vicinity of the excavation. Both the camp and work sites are remote, and the nearest town is Boise City, OK at about 45 miles. The group camp site will provide us with electricity, running water, showers, restrooms, cooking facilities, and an air-conditioned community center. We will be sleeping in individual tents. Students will be expected to supply their own camping equipment and supplies. The Room and Board fee will pay for dinners Monday through Saturday. Students will provide their own breakfasts and lunches and their own dinner on Sundays.

Skills

Students will learn to survey, map, and excavate archaeological sites and to recognize and interpret archaeological artifacts and features.

Work Schedule

Field work will take place Monday through Friday. Saturdays will be for field trips, lab work, camp chores, and resupply. Sundays students will have off to rest and explore the area on their own.

Instructors

The class has two instructors, Dr. Brandi Bethke and Dr. Jennifer Haney. There will also be two graduate student assistants.

Questions?

Please direct any questions to Dr. Brandi Bethke bbethke@ou.edu

Support for this class is generously provided by the OU Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences and its Department of Anthropology, and the Oklahoma Archeological Survey.