Archaeologists are social scientists who conduct excavations to recover, study and preserve such artifacts as ancient ruins, tools and ceramics. Their objective is to learn more about the culture and evolution of extinct civilizations. Depending on their education - which usually includes a master's degree - they may work for archaeological firms, museums, historic site preservation organizations or government agencies.
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Though archaeologists generally need at least a master's degree, the archaeology field offers employment opportunities for those who have bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees. The Society for American Archaeology recommends that students seek degree programs with an archaeology laboratory, at least one staff archaeologist and fieldwork opportunities.
Bachelor's degrees are generally required for entry-level archaeology positions, such as field assistant, surveyor or museum technician. Aspiring archaeologists typically pursue degrees in anthropology, which consist of studies in archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and linguistics. These programs combine classroom and laboratory instruction, and they may offer practical experience through fieldwork programs. Courses may include archaeology methods and theory, analytical techniques, prehistory, North American archaeology, evolution and sociolinguistics.
Master's or doctoral degrees typically qualify students for upper-level positions in museums, archaeology firms and government sectors; Ph.D. degrees are also usually required for teaching positions in universities and curator positions in museums. Master's degree programs typically take 1-2 years of post-baccalaureate coursework to complete, and doctoral degree programs may last an additional 2-3 years. To graduate, students are typically required to submit a thesis or dissertation based on original research in a specific topic.
Archaeologists may gain the fieldwork experience necessary for many positions in the occupation by completing internship programs. Internships and similar training programs may be available through field schools, museums, government agencies and archaeological associations. These programs promote professional development and allow students to sharpen their archaeological research and excavation skills under the supervision of experienced archaeologists.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, archaeologists and anthropologists were expected to experience a 10% growth in employment from 2018-2028. This growth, faster than the average for all occupations, was predicted to be spurred by steady use among corporations to understand cultures and social groups.
Archaeologists are also needed to confirm that historical locations and structures are not affected by construction projects. Archaeologists qualified for cultural resource management positions may see the greatest employment opportunities. As of 2018, the median salary for archaeologists and anthropologists was $62,410, according to the BLS.
While you'll need at least a master's degree in archaeology or anthropology to secure most positions as an archaeologist, some positions or organizations require that you hold a Ph.D. A bachelor's degree and some field experience might land you an entry-level slot as a field or research technician or as an assistant in this comparatively slow-growing occupational area.
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Get a high school diploma. You'll need a high school diploma to become an archaeologist because it will allow you to further your education. In high school, you should work to do well in school and pay special attention to relevant subjects, such as science and history.
Get a bachelor's degree. A college diploma is necessary if you want to be an archaeologist. Most people who become archaeologists study anthropology, but you can also study something that is closely related, such as geography or history. Studying these subjects will give you a stronger understanding of your chosen career path.
Decide if you want to get a master's degree or a Ph.D. If you want to advance in the field of archeology, then you should pursue a master's degree or a Ph.D. Regardless of which path you take, your study will include the fields of ancient history, geology, geography, English composition, and human physiology
Get a master's degree. A master's degree program typically lasts about two years and includes a field research component. While you pursue this degree, you will typically be required to do at least 4-6 weeks of field research, during which time you will take a course which will teach you to dig like a real archaeologist, and will likely require you to live in a tent and get a taste of the life of a real archaeologist.
Learn cultural sensitivity. If you work in foreign countries, you need to be aware of local customs and expectations.
I f you want to be an archaeologist, then it would benefit you to possess or to work to develop the qualities of a successful archaeologist. Remember that archaeology is not a solitary pursuit and that you will greatly benefit from knowing how to work in teams. Here are some of the qualities you'll need to have to succeed.
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