There are ways, such as distance learning, but in all seriousness a practicum of field experience would really benefit your understanding of the realities of archaeology - they are different from the books we read, but you know this.

I would look at the links Jennifer has provided below, esp. Passport in Time, for a short field opportunity in your area that could be fitted to your vacation time - what the heck is a vacation? I know there are universities out there that require little practical experience in arch, but I would think you would be better served being able to use your experience as a means of facilitating understanding in the classroom (real or cyber) in a kind of "method, meet theory" way.

Cheers,
Richard

I don't know why Vet benefits would not be applicable toward a field school - it is a necessary (if not required) part of the university curriculum for anyone interested in pursuing archaeology. - AND - a good summer field school can actually count as a full time semester worth of classes. Ihave run several that accounted for 9 credits and represented a full time class load for the summer semesters (6-9 weeks depending). I would think that while a shorter school may not be a full semester load, your benefits should still cover it.

Good Luck
DM

[quote:="Dmack89"]I don't know why Vet benefits would not be applicable toward a field school - it is a necessary (if not required) part of the university curriculum for anyone interested in pursuing archaeology. - AND - a good summer field school can actually count as a full time semester worth of classes. Ihave run several that accounted for 9 credits and represented a full time class load for the summer semesters (6-9 weeks depending). I would think that while a shorter school may not be a full semester load, your benefits should still cover it.

Good Luck
DMVery cool. I had assumed that it was more like a technical school or such and might not be covered. I hadn't actually looked into it yet. That would be excelent.

I would very much like some field experience, especially since my National Guard weekends had kept me from getting any during my undergrad time.

So the suggestion is field school and some additional field experience and then on to the classroom?

the order is not important, but I would definitely encourage field school at some point.

taking a quick look at google maps for "archaeology University Illinois wisconsin" I see that there are a number of larger schools in your vicinity The University of Chicago itself - big name, big department. But if you go up to Wisconsin - U of W Milwauke and Madison both have programs and may be easier for you to get to. You may want to contact those schools and see what they have to offer that might work for you. There may be other schools closer as well - but you can look for those.

I would suggest taking a day to visit at least one school, talk to the students and profs, see their facilities, etc. This will give you a chance to seriously consider the workload (much different than undergrad) as well as estimate travel time and expenses and consider if it is doable.

I have known a number of part time grad students - and some have been successful - while others have not. The Key seems to be - are you someone that can really keep on task on your own. If you need a lot of structure and guidance, this may not be a good route to take.

Good Luck with whatever you choose.
DM

looking over the UW Madison site ( http://www.anthropology.wisc.edu/news.html ) I just something that might be of particular interest to you:

Embedded Anthropology: A round-table discussion on anthropology and the military.
Monday, Nov 5th
12:00 - 1:30
8417 Social Science
Recommended Articles to read for discussion

This use of Anthro by the military has become a hot topic of late and one that your experience might provide an interesting perspective on.

DM