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What are the steps to becoming an archaeologist?

Is there a certain school I should go to if I wanted to become an archaeologist? Would you have to have special training and a major in history? #history #archaeology #archaeologist #career-details

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Scott’s Answer

Hi Christi -- I've got some background here. There aren't a ton of schools that offer archaeology as an undergraduate major, but there are definitely some really good ones out there in both the big state and small liberal arts school categories. Depending on the specifics of your interest in the subject, you may want to choose a program that takes more of an ancient art history or a classical language approach.


Can you provide some more insight into what you like about archaeology, what relevant classes you might have taken (e.g. Latin), or what you'd like to do as an archaeologist?


Thanks,
Scott
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Ismini’s Answer

As an archaeologist, myself, I would say that it partly depends on the type of archaeology you want to do. Some schools have great programs in Native American archaeology, Greek and Roman archaeology, Chinese archaeology, etc. Once you know what type of archaeology you want to pursue, read some scholarly articles that interest you. If that person is still alive and teaching, find out where there are. Reach out to them and ask about the program at their school.

If your high school offers a language you will need for your topic (Latin, ancient Greek, etc.) take those to get a leg up.
See if any nearby community colleges offer some classes to high schoolers in the topics that interest you.
Some archaeological digs allow high school students to participate. It is an incredible experience and will give you more exposure to the realities of the profession. The Archaeological Institute of America (archaeological.org) has a page with excavation opportunities.

Also, full disclosure - it is incredibly hard to get any jobs as an archaeologist. Consider double majoring or minoring is something more practical to give yourself options.
Happy to talk more.
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