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Field School Enrollment Requirements

Archaeology students enroll for 8 units (credits) in ANTH 291/391/591 through California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Extended Studies. Students interested in signing up for graduate units (ANTH 591) need to contact Dr. Henrikson to discuss additional responsibilities. A course fee of $2,500 for archaeology students covers tuition, field transportation, and all meals. Most tools and other materials are provided by the school. Students are required to bring or purchase expendable personal tools (see Equipment List) costing approximately $50. Health and accident insurance is required for all students. For those who do not have it already, coverage for the period of the course can be obtained through the university at the time of registration.

Archaeology Students

Archaeology students are accepted from a broad range of backgrounds. The only prerequisites are a serious interest in archaeology and a minimal level of personal preparation involving basic reading in archaeological field methods or previous participation in an organized archaeological project supervised by a professional archaeologist. In some cases, equivalent field experience may be accepted in place of prior archaeological course work.

Petroglyphs at Seep Springs

Petroglyphs at Seep Springs (from Walsh and Backes, Jr., 2005).

Applicants must be able to meet the strenuous demands of hiking and excavating in the rugged conditions and heat of the Mojave Desert. With students and instructors working and living closely together under rigorous conditions, the ability to get along with others is essential.

Mojave Desert

More Petroglyphs

Petroglyphs at Seep Springs (from Walsh and Backes, Jr., 2005).

All applicants should provide a one-page statement of their interest and experience in archaeology (see Application Form). Enrollment is limited. Students accepted into the field school have fifteen days after the date of their acceptance letter to confirm their place by sending a $300 deposit that is applied toward the course fee. Places not confirmed in a timely fashion are offered to applicants on the waiting list according to level of qualifications and priority of application.