Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work & Criminal Justice

Varner Hall Room 518
371 Varner Drive
Rochester , MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2420
fax: (248) 370-4608
[email protected]

Social Work
Varner, Room 513
371 Varner Dr.
Rochester, MI 48309-4482
(248) 370-2371
[email protected]

"Several students research soil in a forrest."

Midwest Archaeological Field School

2023 Oakland University Midwest Archaeological Field School (MAFS)

Principal Investigator, Dr. Jon W. Carroll

Enroll in AN3581/LBS5904: Archaeological Field School
Summer Term I: 11 May-23 June 2023
Thursdays-Fridays-Saturdays 9am-5pm

Students from other universities may participate in MAFS through OU's Guest Student Program.  It's a great way to earn credit at OU and transfer it back to your home institution!

Earn summer credit while doing archaeology!  The Oakland University Midwest Archaeological Field School 2022 will teach students how to conduct pre-field historical and environmental research, archaeological survey and excavation, artifact identification, and laboratory processing.  Students will survey several local areas that hold the potential for both historic and prehistoric archaeological sites.  Students are also able to commute to research locations and return home daily.  No other travel arrangements are necessary and ALL MAJORS ARE WELCOME!

Please note that Archaeology Track majors need a minimum of 4 credit hours from the MAFS as part of the 8 credit hour field experience requirement. Contact Dr. Jon W. Carroll for more information.

A central goal of MAFS is to engage in community outreach by highlighting the rich archaeological heritage of southeastern Michigan, providing a public service and simultaneously educating students.

The Oakland University College of Arts and Sciences has provided generous support for MAFS and the through the Community Engagement and Student Success Funding Programs.

The Past-to-Future Archaeology Partnership

We invite local high school students to become part of a community-based, service-learning opportunity.  Oakland University partners with local school districts to offer access to archaeological field training, giving students a practical research experience rooted in the environmental and social sciences.

High school students arrive on site by 10am and leave between 2pm and 3pm depending on the day's research activities. 

Transportation, lunch, and field supplies such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and water are provided. Oakland University undergraduates serve as crew mentors under the supervision of faculty during the field experience.

Email Dr. Jon W. Carroll for more information.

About the Principal Investigator (PI)

Dr. Jon W. Carroll, Ph.D., is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) who specializes in the archaeology of the Eastern Woodlands of North America. He is currently researching the use of remote sensing drones in the Near East, Europe, Africa, and North America, and is an FAA-licensed drone pilot.  Dr. Carroll is also the Coordinator for the Minor in Applied Geographic Information Science (GIScience).