Archaeology Major

• What is Archaeology?
• What Kinds of Students Major in Archaeology?
• What Courses Do Archaeology Majors Take?
• List of Archaeology Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for Archaeology Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is Archaeology?

Archaeology is the study of past societies by examining the material remains that they left behind. Archaeologists discover important differences between modern cultures and those of the past. Archaeology encourages respect for cultural differences and the preservation of artifacts of our ancient heritage. This major relies on a combination of library research and fieldwork. Archaeology majors develop a broad understanding of archaeological theory, scientific methods and techniques, and the resulting interpretations of the history of humankind. Archaeology is an exciting major includes experience in and exposure to fieldwork, local finds, ancient civilizations, historic buildings, scientific methods, archaeological theories and computer techniques. One learns how they help us to recreate past life. Majors develop the analytical, interpretative and practical skills that characterize archaeological research. Archaeology emphasizes fieldwork, archaeological research, and theory and methods.

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What Kinds of Students Major in Archaeology?

Many students think of Indiana Jones when they think of archaeology. While most archaeologists are not involved in such exciting adventures, they do participate in an investigative process that they find to be intriguing. Students successfully majoring in archaeology tend to be outdoors oriented. They seek a major that integrates courses from a variety of discipline such as the classics, ancient history, anthropology, philosophy, and religious studies. Interest in geology and geography is also valuable.

Is Archaeology the right major for you?
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What Courses Do Archaeology Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for Archaeology majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Archaeology of Tribes and Empires	Anthropology and Archaeology
Archaeological Artifact Analysis	Archaeological Field Methods
Archaeological Laboratory Methods	Bronze Age Civilizations
European Pre-History	Maritime Archaeology
North American Prehistory	Peoples of the World
Prehistoric Communities	The Vikings

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List of Potential Jobs in Archaeology

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Archaeologist	Bureau of Land Management
Community College Instructor	Environmental Consultant
Land Use Planner	Museum Staff
Public School Teacher	State Historic Preservationist
U.S. Forest Service Archaeologist

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What is the Median Salary Range for Archaeology Careers?

Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in Archaeology

MyMajors complete list has 78 schools in the USA with a major in Archaeology.
-View the national listing!

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