e are different training and educational requirements for archaeology,
since there are several branches in archaeological studies. In the US,
archaeology is one of the four subjects that are taught by the department of
anthropology, and the other subjects are cultural anthropology, physical
anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.
Other than majoring in archaeology, there are a few other subjects that you
can study to become an archaeologist, such as geology, art history, criticism,
classics, history, conservation, zoology, or anthropology. A bachelor’s degree
will get you entry-level jobs in the field of archaeology. Some common
archaeology-related professions that require a bachelor’s degree include market
analysts, research assistants, management trainees, and writers. It is
beneficial for graduates to learn some of the ancient and modern languages such
as Latin, Greek, German, and French, since having fluency in ancient and modern
languages will increase the chances of you getting employed in laboratories or
as a field archaeologist.
These days, it is common to find interdisciplinary programs that combine
archaeological studies with other subjects. For instance, if you want to study
ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean, South Asia, and the Middle East, you
may have to take an interdisciplinary approach, wherein your subjects will
include courses in ancient and modern languages, theology, history, art, and
architecture. Then again, if you prefer to study the Roman historical period,
you may have to combine vernacular architecture, archaeology, folklore, and
research on oral history.
After completing your B.A or B.S., you can pursue graduate training in
archaeology. Having a master’s degree in one of the abovementioned subjects will
enable you to work in the private sector, teach in colleges, or get employment
in a museum. The M.A or M.S. degree takes about two years to complete. The
course is comprised of course work and a written thesis, among others. After
successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the M.A. degree.
Although there are certain programs that offer a non-thesis M.A degree in
archaeology, it is recommended that you pursue one that requires a thesis,
because it carries more value. It is important to note that the Society of
Professional Archaeologists only certifies those who have a thesis M.A/M.S.
degree and at least one year’s lab experience.
If you can get a PhD, most of the high profile archaeology positions will be
available to you. A PhD requires you to study for an additional two to three
years after completing your M.A. or M.S. To earn your PhD, you need to prepare a
dissertation that you may have to defend orally. The dissertation needs to cover
a topic in the field of archaeology.
There are certain graduate programs that will allow you to bypass a master’s
degree and get on with a PhD right away. Furthermore, most foreign governments
usually do not permit non-PhDs to work in an excavation site. Therefore, a
master’s degree may not allow you to get involved in direct field projects that
are outside the boundaries of the United States.
To get a degree in archaeology, you will have to spend a lot of time and
money. If you already have good knowledge of archaeology and you wish to avoid
the hassle of getting a degree, you can get a fake degree or a fake certificate
in archaeology.
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