How to Be a Good Archeologist

An archaeologist is a person who hunts for the remains of ancient civilizations. An archaeologist digs for pieces of pottery, tools or homes that belonged to people hundreds or thousands of years ago. Then, they use these clues to try to understand what ancient people were like. Does this sound like a job you would like to have? Read on to learn how you can become an archaeologist.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Get your undergraduate degree. You do not need to have a degree in archaeology to get a job as an archaeologist. But a degree in archaeology or anthropology can be useful. Both degrees give an overview of many different types of civilizations. This will help you to decide which civilization you would like to get a job focusing on.

2. Learn several ancient and classical languages. As an archaeologist, you will come across documents and structures that have writing on them. So it is important that you can read and interpret these words when you see them.

3. Take a variety of art courses. This background knowledge will help you in your job. As an archaeologist, you will need to understand and categorize art that you find.

4. Continue in school to get a master's degree. Although you might be able to get a job in archaeology with only a bachelor's degree, most jobs require you to have the specialized knowledge that you can only get with a graduate degree. Decide which civilization you are most interested in, and make sure that the professor you choose to work with during your graduate degree is specialized and works in that area.

5. Decide if you want a PhD. in archaeology. A PhD. will allow you to do even more specialized work. It will also give you the credentials you need to get grant money and direct your own research. If you would like a job as a professor or a scientist at a museum, you will probably need a Ph.D.

6. Find a job as an archaeologist. You can start by talking to your professors. They might have friends in museums or other places that need extra help. You can also search job boards or call places that you already know of to ask if there are job openings.

Tips & Warnings

• Search for jobs that sound interesting to you. You can look on online job boards, or you can contact places that you might want to work. When you see a job in archaeology that looks interesting, make notes about what kind of experience and education you need. This will help you figure out exactly the kinds of experiences you will need to become an archaeologist.
• Almost every country in the world has a society for archaeology. You can search for one your interested in by typing society, archaeology and the country you're interested in working into your favorite search engine.

Resources

• Find information about the Society of American Archaeology.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.