Archaeology, according to the Society for American Archaeology (SAA), is the use of material remains to research recent or ancient human history. The physical remains of a long-gone civilization may be examined by a student taking courses in the field to learn more about the people who lived there, what they did, and how their society operated. Students might find that studying archaeology is both entertaining and educational.
While archaeologists are romanticized in popular culture, in reality, much of their work is done in a lab, analyzing information and artifacts gathered from the field, according to a U S. News & World Report article. Archaeologists spend a good deal of time at site excavations and travel to far-flung locations while conducting fieldwork. Consider pursuing an advanced degree, like a Master of Arts in History, if you want to work as an archaeologist and have access to a wide range of cultural resources.
- Get a bachelor’s degree. The first step for aspiring archaeologists is to complete a bachelor’s program in anthropology or a related field such as history or geography. …
- Participate in an internship. …
- Earn a master’s degree. …
- Consider a doctorate. …
- Seek employment.
Types of archaeologists
You can specialize in a number of different areas of archaeology. What kind of archaeologist you become will depend on the field you decide to pursue. The most prevalent categories of archaeologists working today are as follows:
Underwater archaeologists
This kind of archaeologist investigates underwater artifacts, shipwreck evidence, submerged cities, and other underwater sites. Aside from the more basic principles of archaeology, an underwater archaeologist also needs to be knowledgeable in the particular methods required to conduct underwater explorations. This discipline is also known as marine or maritime archaeology.
Ethnoarchaeologists
Finding information and clues that explore ethnography, or the practices and customs of people and cultures, is the main goal of ethnoarchaeologists. By contrasting it with how local modern residents live, an ethnoarchaeologist can study a former way of life in a specific area. This kind of archaeology frequently involves analyzing contemporary populations and using the results to infer how ancient cultures lived.
Environmental archaeologists
These archaeologists concentrate on examining how the environment and historical groups of people interact. An environmental archaeologist, for instance, might research the plants and animals that were prevalent at a certain time and how those people used them in their daily lives. Environmental archaeology is divided into three categories: geoarchaeology, zooarchaeology, and archaeobotany.
Aviation archaeologists
These archaeologists investigate historical aviation artifacts like aircraft wreckage, deserted airport runways, and airborne weapons. Aviation archaeologists create theories and provide explanations for past actions and events in relation to aviation using the data gathered from these explorations.
Industrial archaeologists
An expert in investigating and locating historical industrial artifacts and byproducts is known as an industrial archaeologist. They use this data to infer how earlier societies produced goods and the industries that existed at specific times. This kind of archaeology also aims to investigate the raw materials employed at a specific time as well as the level of technological sophistication of a particular culture.
Historical archaeologists
Historical archaeologists investigate artifacts and written records from a particular historical period. This area of archaeology seeks to elucidate a variety of historical elements, such as trades, industries, and cultural histories.
Classical archaeologists
This particular kind of archaeologist is only interested in the history of Rome and Greece. They research the prehistoric civilizations that once existed in these regions and how those civilizations affected contemporary societies both locally and globally.
What does an archaeologist do?
An archaeologist is a specialist who conducts excavations and studies artifacts and fossils to learn more about earlier civilizations. These social scientists are responsible for many of the artifacts we have today and may discover and preserve objects like ancient ruins. To interpret and explain past human behaviors and better comprehend the evolution of living species, archaeologists use their findings.
As an archaeologist, you may:
Educational requirements for archaeologists
A bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a closely related field is typically required for entry-level archaeology positions. For the most part, archaeologists pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in a particular field of archaeological study. Aspiring archaeologists are advised by the Society for American Archaeology to enroll in a degree program that provides opportunities for fieldwork and archaeological labs.
How to become an archaeologist
The actions you must take to become a working archaeologist are as follows:
1. Get a bachelors degree
To become an archaeologist, one must first complete a bachelor’s degree program in anthropology or a closely related subject, like history or geography. Many undergraduate archaeology programs provide students with practical training through laboratory classes and fieldwork opportunities.
2. Participate in an internship
3. Earn a masters degree
While a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for entry-level archaeologist positions, a master’s degree is typically required for all other archaeological jobs. Students who pursue master’s degrees have the opportunity to hone the technical skills necessary for employment as archaeologists and to select the area of archaeology they want to specialize in. Anthropology and archaeology master’s degree programs are frequently provided for this profession.
4. Consider a doctorate
You will probably need to have a Ph.D. if you want to lead high-level archaeological projects or work as an archaeological professor in a college. D. in archaeology or a related field. Doctorates usually require two to three years to complete, plus several months of fieldwork for the dissertation.
5. Seek employment
After receiving your bachelor’s or master’s degree, you can start looking for employment depending on the kind of archaeologist you want to be and where you want to work. As soon as you are qualified, apply for jobs in the field of archaeology in order to gain the experience you need to advance in your career. Site excavation technicians, research assistants, and archaeological laboratory technicians are among the archaeologists’ entry-level positions.
How to Become an Archaeologist | step-by-step guide
FAQ
How long does it take to become a archaeologists?
A 4-year college degree (BA or BS) is the bare minimum requirement for employment in the field of archaeology. Usually archaeologists major in anthropology or archaeology. They also receive training in archaeological field and laboratory techniques.
Do archaeologists make a lot of money?
Archaeologists made a median salary of $66,130 in 2020. In that year, the top 25 percent earned $84,560, while the bottom 25 percent earned $51,170.
What qualifications do you need for Archaeology?
Although archaeology can be a rewarding profession, the life associated with it is not without its challenges. However, there are many fascinating aspects of the job, in part because of the fascinating discoveries that can be made.
