What Kinds of Schooling Do You Need to Be an Archaeological Anthropologist?
Archaeologists work in a variety of sectors including museums, state and federal programs, colleges and the private sector. The amount of schooling needed varies with career choice and concentration. Most archaeologists hold a bachelor's and master's degree with those at the college level often holding a Ph.D. In the U.S., archaeology often falls under the auspices of anthropology departments as a result of 19th- and 20th-century efforts to study Native American culture and society.
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Basic Educational Requirements
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The Society for American Archaeologists outlines the educational requirements for archaeologists. Archaeologists who hold a B.A./B.S. in archaeology from an accredited four-year college or university can find positions as excavation or laboratory assistants. Those who have an M.A. and have held supervisory positions on excavations or in a laboratory can qualify as professional archaeologists with the Register of Professional Archaeologists. It is also important to attend history, paleography and linguistic classes pertaining to a particular people for those looking to specialize in a unique culture. Because archaeology is treated as a sub-discipline of anthropology in the U.S., the SAA states that many archaeology majors must also complete coursework in cultural and biological anthropology and linguistics.
Field Schools
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Field schools provide valuable training for archaeology students. They also can provide tremendous networking and resume-building opportunities. Fieldwork offers opportunity for travel to experience firsthand a culture of interest. It also can be an expensive endeavor. Students should inquire with their departments for fieldwork opportunities as well as scholarships and fellowships available. Kate Patch of the American Anthropological Association also recommends contacting state archaeologists for opportunities. Postings can also be found on archaeology organizations' websites.
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Scholarships for Archaeology Students
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Financing an archaeology degree can be expensive. Those who wish to obtain a Ph.D. to teach at the college level can expect many years of training. Students can apply for federal grants and loans as well as general scholarships from the university or college they plan to attend. Some anthropology departments also award scholarships to outstanding students. Organizations and institutions that support archaeologists and/or anthropologists also can be a financial resource. The Archaeological Institute of America awards grants, fellowships and scholarships for graduate, undergraduate and professional studies. The AIA also awards field study and travel grants.
Concentrated Studies
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Students looking to specialize within the field of archaeology may take additional classes or participate in a variety of field schools to gain the needed expertise. For example, forensic archaeologists use archaeology techniques to help law enforcement with investigations. This often involves work at burial sites and with homicide units. The Forensic Archaeology Organization outlines that those interested in the field should have a B.A. or B.S. in archaeology, forensics or bioscience and an M.A. or a Ph.D. in forensic archaeology. Fieldwork experience is also needed.
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References
- Illinois State Museum; Frequently Asked Questions About a Career in Archaeology; David Carlson; 2008
- Society for American Archaeologists: FAQs for Students of Archaeology
- Register of Professional Archaeologists: RPA Directory
- Shovelbums.org: Archaeology and Anthropology Field Schools Map Overview
- American Anthropological Association: Field Schools
- American Anthropological Association; Campus Resources for Gaining Student Fieldwork Experiences; Kate Patch
Resources
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