The Field School is suitable for graduate and undergraduate students in social sciences and other fields of study that use qualitative approaches (such as education, communication, cultural studies, health, social work, human ecology, development studies, and consumer behavior, among others), applied social scientists, professionals, and researchers who have an interest in learning more about ethnographic methods and their applications. The faculty works closely with participants to identify the required field methods to address their academic or professional needs.
The goal of the Field School is to enable participants to confidently engage in ethnographic research with solid training in the foundations of the method, informed by a creative spirit and guided by the highest ethical standards.
We work passionately to advance education and dialogue around ethnographic methods and applied anthropology in general in ways that promote intercultural understanding, justice, and peace.
Dates for 2026: there are three opportunities to participate:
- Online, group 1 (April): accepting applications. Classes will meet on April 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 and May 5 and 7 (tentative dates) from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. EDT time.
- On-site in New York City: accepting applications. Classes will meet from July 20 to 31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT time on Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus.
- Online, group 2 (August): accepting applications. Classes will meet on August 18, 20, 25, 27, and September 1, 3, 8, 10, 15 and 17 (tentative dates) from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. EDT time.
The course load is 30 hours and the content is the same for all three courses.
CIFAS is a non-profit 501(c)3 foundation founded by Columbia University faculty. The field school is not an official Columbia University course. The transcript will not be issued by Columbia University but by CIFAS instead. Credits are not assigned.
Places are limited. The tuition fee will be announced shortly. Travel, local transportation, accommodation, and meals are not covered by the tuition fee. Comitas Field School Fellowship: A limited number of fellowships are available for students from underrepresented minorities and low-income countries. You can find more information on the How to Apply page.
Field trip (on-site edition only): Thunderbirds’ 47th Annual Grand Mid-Summer Powwow, Queens Farm Museum.
Assignments: Students will conduct voluntary individual research projects during the summer school activities. Students will select a research topic of interest related to a social/cultural activity in New York City in the on-site edition of the course or in their place of residence for the online version and dedicate part of their afternoons to ethnographic practice (observation, note-taking, establishment of rapport, participant observation).
