What to Do With a Degree in Archaeology
If you’re thinking about pursuing a degree in archaeology, there are a number of options. The best route is to find a college or university that has an anthropology department with at least one archaeologist on staff.
Archaeology is a hands-on field and lab discipline that requires excellent research and writing skills. It also requires a strong ability to communicate with diverse audiences, from peers in the field to the general public.
Education
A degree in archaeology is an excellent choice for students who want to become an archaeologist or study ancient history. It provides students with the knowledge and skills to conduct archaeological excavations, record information about ancient ruins, and understand how people lived in the past.
In addition to a degree, aspiring archaeologists must also complete internships or volunteer work in order to gain experience in the field. This can be done at museums, historic sites, or federal or state government agencies.
The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) recommends that high school students focus on history, math, English and sciences to prepare for a career in archaeology. Online education is also an option for students who do not have a school near them that offers an archaeology program.
Archaeologists are a bit like history detectives, using clues found in artifacts or writing to piece together civilizations and societies. They often travel to historic places around the world, and can also work for archaeological contractors or consultants, or museums.
Research
Getting a degree in archaeology can lead to a wide range of employment options. There are academic positions in universities and museums, as well as non-academic roles with heritage organisations, such as a volunteer digger or an excavation supervisor.
A degree in archaeology will give you the skills to research, gather and communicate archaeological data. It also helps you develop an appreciation of the cultural contexts to your work.
Your work on an archaeology degree will be assessed by coursework and essays, but some schools also assess your fieldwork and laboratory work. This is a good way to demonstrate your ability and commitment to the profession.
A degree in archaeology will also help you to build your confidence and independence. These are valuable qualities in any job and will help you to succeed in many other areas, if you wish to move away from archaeology.
Fieldwork
Archaeologists conduct fieldwork, research and communication to answer questions about past human activities. They may work in federal and state government, museums or parks, or with a private engineering firm.
They also teach classes on archaeological, anthropology or ancient history topics at a university or college throughout the school year, mentor undergraduates/graduate students, and conduct excavations during summer terms.
Many degrees in archaeology include a focus on language and culture, so you’ll learn about the region and civilizations you study. This means studying a modern or dead language related to that area, and learning about the written evidence that can help you decipher how different cultures acted.
While you’ll spend a lot of time in the lab, your archaeology degree will also teach you about the process by which information is sourced, valued and used to create new knowledge. This will help you to develop critical thinking, the ability to synthesise vast amounts of information and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in oral and written form.
Communication
Archaeology is a field that requires a wide range of communication skills, including technical know-how, research and writing skills. In addition to communicating with colleagues, you may be tasked with sharing your findings with the general public via a museum exhibit or lecture.
Whether you’re conducting laboratory studies or digging up ancient remains, the right degree can help you land your dream job and succeed in this challenging career. If you’re a budding archaeologist, be sure to research the many available programs and options, and make a well-rounded application. A bachelor’s degree in archaeology is an excellent place to start. It will give you the foundation you need to pursue a graduate degree in this fascinating field. It will also give you an edge when applying for positions such as internships or entry-level jobs. It will help you distinguish your skills from the competition and show that you’re a committed student with the drive to learn.
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