Does anyone know what classes you have to take to become a archeologist?

Question

I'm thinking of changing my major......but I'm not sure what my chances would be of getting to do anyrhing with it. I think it would entertain me more than orchestral composition. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Part of the answer depends on what you want to end up doing. If you want to teach, you definitely need a PhD. If you want to consider other option, an MS may be sufficient but you would be more promotable with a PhD.

I work for the cultural resource management firm. I'm a historian but many of my coworkers are archaeologists. There are CRM firms all over the country, so this is a good career opportunity for an archaeologist. Everyone who is a permanent employee of our firm has an MS, and several people have PhDs. The archaeologists do research, both from written works and in the field, and write reports. Though much of their work in prehistoric, they also do historic archaeology for many projects. If this is something that you might be interested in, you should take lots of history classes, in addition to anthropology and archaeology. Do as much fieldwork as you possibly can. You'll also need to know how to read a map and operate a GPS. Employers will be willing to teach you these skills, but they'll be thrilled if you already have some experience. So, take geography, particulary any class that will give you at least an introduction to GIS. If you can manage to pick up some knowledge of historic preservation, it would come in handy. You will absolutely want to understand the criteria for the National Register of Historic Places and Section 106 review. There are probably some other things that I'm not aware of because my work is historic. I would do a google search for CRM firms and call or email the principals and ask questions. While they are busy, people who love their work are always happy to give someone tips on how to get into their field.

I hope that helps. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Archaeology is a wide field, but it is extremely interesting!

There are specializations within archaeology, however, and you can take courses in many disciplines that deal with archaeology.

Anthropology is the first place to look. Also, Classics and Religious Studies. Some professors in each of these disciplines are archaeologists, and some will offer courses in archaeology, often with fieldwork experiences involved.

Archaeologists also have to be historians in the specific area of their interest, so take some history courses or "area studies" courses (Asian studies, Eastern European studies, Native American studies, etc.) in whichever area you end up concentrating. It's also important to study the languages that are relevant to your area of focus as well.

Almost all archaeologists have a Ph.D. in their specific field of study, so make sure you do well in all of your courses, and ace the GRE!

Best wishes to you!

Answer 3

You really should take this question to your advisor. They will help you figure out exactly which classes you need to take when becoming an archaeology major.

But you'd certainly have to take earth sciences, geography, sociology, Western Civ. and other history classes.

It would certainly be an interesting career choice. Good luck!

Answer 4

Here's a wild guess, archeology?

Sorry, that was snarky -- I would think geology would also help, to know what you're digging through and it's age. Anthropology, certainly. And if you are going to travel to do your digging, languages would help, probably French, which is sometimes a good common language other than English wherever you go.

Archeology sounds more interesting than composition, but I'm not a musician...

Answer 5

anthropology, sociology, psychology, archeology