I need archaeology advice.

[Neoma]

The main thing I'm wondering is if I could focus on an anthropology bachelor's degree rather than searching up those rare archeology classes that aren't usually offered. And if I could, I was still wondering that if I could move out of state to a university, which university would be near a dig?

[Cabcere]

1. Well, archaeology isn't really my specialty

(general cultural anthro major here), but I understand there are some pretty interesting archaeology projects in Colonial Williamsburg, and one of my archaeology profs is really involved with the Werowocomoco site near Jamestown, so if you're into that sort of thing you might consider William & Mary. ;) (Yes, I'm biased - I'm graduating in May and I've loved every year at this school!) :hi: Best of luck with the archaeology degree, and if you want additional info on the program/s at W&M feel free to PM me and I'll dig up (har har) some information for you. ;)

[Neoma]

2. Williamsburg?

Wow, I never considered that.

[bluedigger]

3. The short answer is yes.

Most (including me) archaeologists in the US start with a BA in Anthropology. As you have already discovered, very few schools offer undergraduate degrees in archaeology, but most anthro depts. offer archy courses, and many have active field school programs during the summer. I recommend you go here for more info and advice:
http://www.archaeologyfieldwork.com/forums/index.php?sid=3f08459e6930d9ab9d4a53f78248eb21

It is a great message board run by a friend of mine, and many topics already posted may address your questions. If not, just ask, everybody is very helpful! Good luck!

[semillama]

4. If you want to get into archaeology, definitely pick a school that offers an annual field school

I graduated with a BA in Anthro and a concentration in Archaeology. I ended up having to go take a field school at a different university because the anthro department at my alma mater didn't offer any. Fortunately, that worked out great for me, as the field school I attended was run by the university in my home town, and the field school that year was only about 10 miles from my house! I ended up going to that school for my master's degree, I was so impressed by the field school experience.

Good luck!

[semillama]

5. Also, it sounds like you are in the same boat I was in

By the time I settled on archaeology as what I wanted to do, I was in the last part of junior year, so transferring to a school with an actual archaeology program wasn't an attractive option. I basically choose the anthro courses that appeared to me to have the most utility in archaeology - anthro of agriculture, stuff like that. I also took a stats class, although with my math learning disability, that really didn't do much good (and the fact I took it the last semester of my senior year didn't help either).

So, my advice is to do a field school, that's most important, and then look over your course catalog and see what course you think would best fit your interest in archaeology. If you can, take a couple history classes as well.

[malta blue]

6. What kind of archaeology?

First you have to decide on a geographic/cultural region that you are interested in. Think about foreign languages, climate, political stability, etc., when considering....

Then research schools where some of the major players in that region teach and have projects based out of. Go meet with them, apply, etc.

Some tips..."biblical" archaeology is almost impossible to get into at this point. Almost the entire Levant has been excavated or is currently being worked. In order to become an expert in this region you would have to concentrate on (for lack of a better example) why there are pink clamshells in roman period toilets in the northern part of Tel X.

Mesoamerican archaeology (major cultures such as the Maya, Aztec, Olmec) has risen in popularity in the last 15-20 years - especially among Mayanists. If this region interests you, get in now or it will quickly become like the Levant.

Andean archaeology is growing in popularity, but has not reached the "sexiness" of the Meso group.

In addition, you may want to think about your preferences as far as studying indigenous cultures, contact period, colonial period, etc.

I hope this helps a bit. I am now an armchair archaeologist, but have quite a few friends in the field.

My field of interest is the initial spanish contact period in the Dominican Republic.

Peace-
Malta Blue

[L. Coyote]

7. Anthropology is an undergraduate degree, archaeology is an advanced degree.

Almost every university is near a dig. There are a lot of dig jobs. Search "shovel bums" for more info.

Your career choice impacts which university you choose. To enter academia and teach these disciplines, you will need about a 3.8 GPA at a good university to get into a choice doctoral program. To work as an archaeologist, you will need a Masters. Again, you will need to get admitted into graduate school.

[semillama]

8. Not exactly true.

Here's a link to a list of schools that offer Bachelor's degrees in Archaeology: http://www.universities.com/On-Campus/Bachelor_degree_Social_Sciences_Archeology.html


You can find work as an archaeologist with a BA. Heck, you can find work with just an Associates degree, such as from Hocking College in Ohio. One thing is that you probably will have a tough time finding work if you do not have a BA in anthropology or a related field and no field school. I don't hire anyone without at least a field school under their belt. Keep in mind that some field schools, especially those outside of the country, may not teach you all the skills you will need to work in the private sector in America. But you can go pretty far with just a BA in the private sector - we've had people who specialized in artifacts or GIS who've ended up making a decent wage for a BA-level archaeologist.

You need a master's degree in the private field if you want to be a principal investigator, who runs the projects and generally is responsible for report writing and production. I'm a principal investigator and I actually don't get into the field as much as I used to because my responsibilities (and pay rate) keep me out of the field unless the project requires a PI in the field.

If you want to get into academic archaeology and become a professor, then you do need to get a Master's degree and go for the Ph.D. Having a great GPA is very good, but a lot of schools may be willing to take on a candidate with a 3.5 or so if they also demonstrate the ability to do original, well-thought out research as well.

[Oddball]

9. I graduated 15 years ago...

..but I know the University of Florida has a good program and there are lots of digs in Florida both historical and pre-historic. Good luck. (And also, I wound up working in a field other than Archaeologicy.)

[kristopher]

10. You might also consider marine archaeology.

However I understand it's often rather difficult to keep your head above water...

http://www.acuaonline.org/

[semillama]

11. Ha ha. But seriously, a good recommendation

Marine archaeology is a growing specialization, and you can arrange it so your area of interest is the Caribbean with little difficulty...