An archaeology degree offers the opportunity to study ancient civilizations and travel to exotic locations, but some universities may not offer the course and advanced degrees may be required for career advancement. Students may also be required to take classes they are not interested in.
Before deciding to major in archeology or the study of human civilizations through the examination of material culture, it is important to understand the pros and cons of majoring in this field. On the positive side, an archeology degree allows students to fall in love with cultural studies and can also provide the opportunity to travel to faraway locations. It is important to bear in mind, however, that some universities may not offer an archeology course, that an archeology student may be required to take classes they are not interested in, and that an advanced degree may be required to gain employment within the university. field.
For students with a passionate interest in ancient civilizations, perhaps the most notable advantage of a specialist in archeology is that it allows for an intensive study of this topic. Many archeology degree programs require students to attend classes that cover a wide range of archaeological topics, providing students with a broad introductory knowledge of the field. Less commonly, undergraduate archeology students may choose an area of specialization, such as Native American art or Mediterranean cultures, and take classes that provide them with an in-depth knowledge of that area.
At many colleges and universities, graduation requirements for an archeology degree include completing a summer field research internship. Some of these field placements are based in foreign countries. Thus, choosing an archeology degree can provide students with the opportunity to travel and work in an exotic location.
On the negative side, those considering an archeology course should understand that many colleges and universities, particularly in the US, do not offer this course to undergraduate students. Instead, these institutions offer a limited selection of archeology classes through their anthropology department. Consequently, students who want to major in archeology may need to move to attend an institution offering this program. Alternatively, they might consider completing an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as anthropology or art history, and then study archeology at the graduate level.
Another potential disadvantage of an archeology major is that they may require students to take classes that they are not necessarily interested in. For example, much archaeological fieldwork involves statistical analysis. To prepare students for this aspect of an archeology career, they may be required to take one or more math classes, even if they don’t like math.
Finally, it should be noted that degrees in archeology will generally prepare students for only a limited range of careers in the field of archaeology. In order to advance beyond assistant-level roles, students are usually required to complete a master’s degree in archaeology. Those who want to teach at the college level, work as a museum conservationist, or oversee field research will likely need to complete a doctoral degree.
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