June 14-27, 2026
Geophysics for Archaeological Investigations is an intensive two-week field school for students wanting to learn geophysics survey, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological sites. Fieldwork will focus on ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry at archaeological sites in the Lower Illinois Valley.
The geophysics field school is operated in partnership with the Vanderbilt Institute for Spatial Research
Non-credit and for credit options are available. See the Program Credit section at the bottom of the page for details.
Program
Enrollment is open to anyone 18 years or older. Applicants must apply for the full two-weeks of the field school. Single-week options are not available for this program.
While in Kampsville, participants engage in field and laboratory work with CAA and VISR archaeologists and spatial scientists. These activities are supplemented by occasional evening lectures by CAA archaeologists and guest archaeologists on various topics.
The day usually begins at 7 am with breakfast and ends by 9 pm. Please see the 2026 Geophysics Field School Schedule and Gear List for program details.
Students should arrive on the first Sunday of their program and depart the Saturday after their program ends.
The CAA can provide shuttle service to and from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport or the Alton, Illinois Amtrak station for an additional cost. Travel instructions and details are provided in your enrollment packet.
Please do not book travel until you have received confirmation of enrollment and the travel instructions.
Accommodations
Students stay in one of the CAA’s dormitories while in residence. Dormitories are basic, bunkhouse-style living facilities without TV or internet. Rooms are at minimum double occupancy. The total number of roommates is based on program enrollment, with a maximum occupancy of four. Shower and restroom facilities are provided. Our facilities are approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and meet the Illinois Youth Camp Act’s criteria.
Tuition (Non-Credit Option)
Tuition is $1600 and includes room; all meals Monday through Saturday breakfast; supplies, and instruction.
Residents of Calhoun, Pike, Greene, and Jersey counties receive a 10% discount on tuition.
How to Enroll (Non-Credit Option)
Download, complete, and return the 2026 Geophysics Field School Application.
New applications are typically processed on Fridays, though not necessarily every Friday.
Please do not submit tuition or deposit payment until you have received an invoice from our bookkeeping office.
If you have not received confirmation, we have not received your application!
Registration for the program closes one week prior to the start of each session or when the program fills.
Enrollment is limited to 10 students. Those applying after enrollment capacity is reached will be added to the waiting list in the order of receipt of a complete application. You must submit a complete application to be added to the waiting list.
ISU Program Credit
Students may earn three (3) credits from Illinois State University. The schedule, requirements, and program are the same as the non-credit option.
In order to earn ISU credits, you must apply using ISU’s application process. Do not use the Non-Credit Option instructions if you want to apply for ISU credits.
- Apply to ISU as a non-degree/visiting student. You will be able to pick the appropriate course and section here as well as pay ISU’s tuition.
- Pay the Program Fee. Please do not pay the program fee until you have completed the first step.
Once you have enrolled and paid all fees (ISU tuition + CAA program fee), we will send additional travel, gear, and program documents.
For credit enrollment will begin in February 2026. Links for enrollment and tuition payment will be made available at that time.
Questions: If you have any questions, please contact the CAA at education@caa-archeology.org or 618-653-4316 for more information.