Career Choices for Archaeology Majors
Majoring in archaeology will give you the knowledge, skills and abilities to pursue several different career options. Archaeology is an interdisciplinary major that places emphasis on history, culture and research. Contrary to popular belief, studies in archaeology are not limited to field research and excavation. Archaeology majors may pursue careers in a number of fields.
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Field Research
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The most well-known careers for archaeology majors involve field research. Archaeologists usually work in teams to excavate a site of cultural or historic importance. The working conditions may be dangerous, unclean and are often in extreme heat or cold. Field researchers search for and gather artifacts related to their project. They attempt to preserve any artifacts without damage so they can be recovered and taken back to laboratories and studied. Field researchers are often specialized in certain fields. Field researchers include paleontologists and geologists.
University Instructor
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An advanced degree in archaeology (such as a PhD) could also lead to a professorship at a university. College professors with archaeology degrees may teach courses in fields such as anthropology, geoscience or ecology. Graduates with lower-level degrees (bachelor's or master's) may start out as research assistants, with an opportunity to move up as they gain experience or education. After many years of success, a professor may be promoted to dean or college director.
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Museum Curator
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Entry-level degrees in archaeology can lead to rewarding careers in museums, often as a curator. A curator's main responsibilities involve: maintaining museum artifacts, examining incoming artifacts, researching, and planning museum artifacts. Curators can satisfy their need for researching historical objects usually without being subjected to the elements.
Cultural Resource Management
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Cultural resource management is similar to the work of a museum curator in some ways, though it is more broad a description. Cultural resource managers may work with cultural theaters and art galleries, as well as historic sites with cultural importance, sometimes including national or state parks.
Career Outlook
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, archaeology-related employment is expected to grow 15 percent by the year 2016. The largest employers of archaeology related careers are the United States government and universities, public and private. The growth of this career field should make finding employment easier for qualified applicants. As of May 2008, the median wage for archaeology-related careers was $53,910, with the top 10 percent of earners making an average of $89,490.
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