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Archeology

Overview

Archeology is the study of people who lived in the past and their ways of life.

Students learn to analyze fossils and mummies to understand how people lived. They may also have opportunities to go on archeological digs.

Archeology programs include topics such as:

In archeology programs, students take courses from different fields of study including art, history, statistics, and biology.

Concentrations

In archeology programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Schools

Some schools offer concentrations in archeology as part of an anthropology program. Other schools have a separate archeology program.

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in archeology. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in archeology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in archeology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

In addition, students take specialized archeology courses depending on the kind of archeologist they want to be. Some examples of courses are:

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in archeology typically includes:

Fieldwork is usually required as part of an archeology major. This means that you participate in digs or help a team of researchers organize and store artifacts. Often you travel abroad to existing archeological sites or help excavate new sites.

Things to Know

Professional archeologists work as researchers for the government, private companies, or universities.

You can work for museums or for organizations that protect historical buildings and artifacts, or teach students.

Schools

East Side Area

Central Washington University

Washington State University - Pullman

King-Snohomish Area

Bellevue College

University of Washington - Seattle

Spokane Area

Eastern Washington University

Tacoma Area

Pacific Lutheran University

Pierce College Puyallup

University of Puget Sound

West Side Area

Western Washington University