Archaeology
Major
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.
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What
Courses Do Archaeology Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for 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.
Peoples
of the World |
European
Pre-History |
The
Vikings |
Archaeological
Field Methods |
Maritime
Archaeology |
Prehistoric
Communities |
North
American Prehistory |
Archaeological
Laboratory Methods |
Archaeology
of Tribes and Empires |
Bronze
Age Civilisations |
Anthropology
and Archaeology |
Archaeological
Artifact Analyses |
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What
Types of Positions do Archaeology Majors Take After College?
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.
Museum
Staff |
U.S.
Forest Service Archaeologist |
Land
Use Planner |
Bureau
of Land Management Archaeologist |
Community
College Instructor |
State
Historic Preservationist |
Public
School Teacher |
Environmental
Consultant |
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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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Related
Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, check out some of the following
links. You might also want to check out web sites for
University or College departments offering this major.
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University
Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
| For
information on options available to campuses wishing
to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
| For
information on options available to campuses wishing
to see their majors listed on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year
College Curriculums to Consider
| Suggest
to your two-year college advisor that their institution's
majors be included to show you their course requirements
and unique resources. Two-year college representatives
should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
