Any history grads, professors, or anyone that works in the fields of history and/or archeology?

Question

I am looking to finally follow my passion but I seem to be at a loss as to how to start! I'm 30, have 2 degrees (computer science and finance) from a top university, worked as an engineer in the oil industry but have been very sucessfully self-employed as a daytrader (oil/energy stocks) for the last 3 years. I am not bilingual. I really want to follow my dream (obsession), go to grad school and work as an archeologist in the field of European/Mediterrean pre-history (I am not interested in American history). I live in San Francisco and the colleges I have looked into require a history BA (though no one allows someone who already has a Bachelors to enter the program). I contacted Berkeley's grad department and they basically said I should have thought to get a History degree when I was younger. Can anyone suggest any pathways to a career in pre-historic archeology? I could devote myself full-time to studies, plus I love academic work. Is it possible at my age to change fields?

Actually, I am a female! There are female engineers and daytraders too you know!!!!!

By saying I am not bilingual, I mean that I have not yet studied the classical languages most likely needed for a career in archeology.

Answer 1

I am not a professor, graduate student (let alone a graduate degree holder!), or an archaeologist, but I feel qualified to at least advise you on your question--I do, at least, have a degree in History Education.

I say go for what you want. Keep investigating universities until you find one that has a course of study in a field at least related to the one that interests you. If you need to take some additional undergrad classes in history to fulfill their requirements, so be it, and a hearty thumbs down to the naysayers who feel you ought to have gotten your degree in history at a younger age.

Another thing in your favor is that you can concentrate solely on history, since I'm sure your sciences and maths will satisfy any core requirements.

By the way, 30 is far from old--I was over 35 when I began work on my bachelor's degree. I remember being told that, by the time I received my four-year degree, I'd be over 40--to which I replied, "And how old will I be if I DON'T pursue it?"

Go for it--and the best of luck!

Answer 2

I read your question and was wondering if you are ready for such a major change in your life and you do want to study European or Mediterranean History/arecheology why not apply to one of the good universities either in Europe or in the Middle East? You said you are not bi-lingual but I know there are universities in the Middle East that studying in English would be no problem. I am not sure about Europe but I think in some major European countries (except England, Ireland and Scotland which could also be an idea) there are universities that accept English grad students. It requires a bit of research, but with today's email system its no problem.

You need to think about it, I know leaving SF won't be easy but if you are ready for a change, 30 is a good age. If you finish your studies by 35-36 you can still get a good job in any university and work for your tenure.

Answer 3

Do you mean you want to study palearchaeology or classical?
Palearchaeology would fall under Anthropology unless the school actually has full Archaeology department.
Classical on the other hand involves either ancient Greece or Roman Republic/Empire ,which requires studying the history also,falls under the Classics department.Then there is Ancient Egyptian or other middle eastern
cultures
these are a couple of links to universites that teach archaeology,
hope these can help lead you to the right school for you

Answer 4

I would encourage you to contact departments at other campuses. I'm sure that someone with your background and passion will be welcomed at more than one campus, although the elite universities like Berkeley may not be your best bet. A little secret that may help you is that many of these programs have become overwhelmingly female and would be thrilled to have such a qualified male applicant. One caveat: A second language is going to be important for you, especially in your area of interest. You might look into the intensive summer language programs at places like Berkeley, especially Latin or Greek. This would help convey your seriousness, and may even help you make important connections. Good luck.

Answer 5

I am myself a history/archeology student at the University of Bristol in the UK. I know that there are certainly history mature (aged over 21) students here. There are also quite a few american students. Archeology can be taken as a subject in its own right.

Perhaps you should come over here and study full time. Accomodation can be provided for by the university, and in fact, as you are an international student, you'd get priority in accommodation over home students.

In my opinion if you are old at 30 then that is just quite sad. Over here mature students are encouraged to go to university. One mature student I know is 33 (although she doesn't do history).

Of course Bristol is not the only choice in the UK, but I know it does not require history qualifications to do it. Check out the website www.bris.ac.uk or for more general universities in the UK and Ireland, go to www.ucas.ac.uk.

good luck

Answer 6

i'm a history graduate and at present artwork at a school interior the united kingdom. have you ever considered utilizing to earnings at a united kingdom college? i be attentive to from previous journey united kingdom Universities are extra felxible approximately mature scholars embarking on new learn and evaluate different skills and studies while pondering your application. the colleges that have a stable attractiveness for history are; Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Warwick, Lancaster, York and of direction Oxford and Cambridge. ultimate of success.

Answer 7

I majored in History and wished I had majored in Computer Science and finance.

Don't worry, you did it right. Now you can follow your passion without having to worry about paying the bills.