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Rebekah
Student
Box Elder, South Dakota
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What types of archaeological jobs are there and what basic schooling would you need?
I have been interested in archeology for some time. Especially ancient Egypt and was curious what it would be like to pursue it farther
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3 answers
Ismini Miliaresis
ESG Pursuit Manager
14
Answers
Charlottesville, Virginia
Updated
Ismini’s Answer
As an archaeologist, I can tell you that most archaeologists have to be professors in order to pay the bills. You can also do work in contract archaeology, but it is not an easy lifestyle.
I see you are from South Dakota, where indigenous archaeology is really huge. See if you can volunteer on an archaeological dig to get a better idea of what is really involved. Check out archaeological.org for the Archaeological Institute of America. They also have a page with excavation opportunities.
Most archaeologists end up getting PhDs, but unfortunately most of us end up with job options. I have moved into the corporate world, but still continue my research. Maybe an archaeology minor could help you fulfil your passion, but it might leave some space for some more practical options.
If you decide you really want to pursue Egyptian archaeology, let me know. I know some people I could connect you with.
Learning Arabic would be helpful so you can communicate with most people living there. Learning German and French is also pretty important, so that you can read a lot of past excavation materials.
Happy to talk further.
I see you are from South Dakota, where indigenous archaeology is really huge. See if you can volunteer on an archaeological dig to get a better idea of what is really involved. Check out archaeological.org for the Archaeological Institute of America. They also have a page with excavation opportunities.
Most archaeologists end up getting PhDs, but unfortunately most of us end up with job options. I have moved into the corporate world, but still continue my research. Maybe an archaeology minor could help you fulfil your passion, but it might leave some space for some more practical options.
If you decide you really want to pursue Egyptian archaeology, let me know. I know some people I could connect you with.
Learning Arabic would be helpful so you can communicate with most people living there. Learning German and French is also pretty important, so that you can read a lot of past excavation materials.
Happy to talk further.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Rebekah,
Exploring the realm of archaeological careers and their educational prerequisites:
The fascinating field of archaeology offers a diverse range of job opportunities, each demanding distinct levels of educational qualifications and skill sets. Here's a brief overview of some prevalent archaeological careers and the fundamental education each one requires:
1. Archaeologist: Archaeologists delve into the mysteries of past human societies by excavating, analyzing, and interpreting artifacts, structures, and other remnants. To embark on this journey, you'll typically need a master's degree in archaeology or a similar discipline. Some roles, however, might necessitate a PhD.
2. Archaeological Technician: These professionals support archaeologists in conducting fieldwork, analyzing laboratory data, and curating artifacts. An undergraduate degree in archaeology or an allied field is generally enough for entry-level roles, while some may ask for a master's degree.
3. Conservator: Conservators are the guardians of artifacts, specializing in their preservation and restoration, including metals, ceramics, textiles, and more. A master's degree in archaeological conservation or a related field is usually the ticket to this career.
4. Cultural Resource Manager (CRM): CRMs spearhead cultural resource management projects for government bodies, private firms, and nonprofit organizations. They collaborate with archaeologists, historians, and other experts to ensure adherence to federal and state laws concerning historic preservation. A master's degree in archaeology or a related field is typically required for CRM roles.
5. Museum Curator: Museum curators are the stewards of museum or historical society collections. They research collections, design exhibits, and team up with educators to create educational programs. A master's degree in museum studies or a similar discipline is usually required for these roles.
6. Registrar: Registrars oversee the documentation and care of collections in museums or historical societies. They manage loans, acquisitions, deaccessions, and other facets of collection management. A master's degree in museum studies or a related field is typically required for these roles.
7. Teacher/Professor: Teachers and professors educate students about archaeology or a related field at the K-12 or university level. A bachelor's degree is enough for K-12 teaching roles, while a PhD is usually required for university teaching positions.
In essence, an undergraduate degree in archaeology or a related field can lay a robust groundwork for many of these careers. Students can then opt to further their education with a master's or PhD degree to specialize in a specific area of interest or meet particular job prerequisites. Don't forget that relevant work experience, obtained through internships or volunteering, can be instrumental in honing skills and forging valuable connections in the field.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Exploring the realm of archaeological careers and their educational prerequisites:
The fascinating field of archaeology offers a diverse range of job opportunities, each demanding distinct levels of educational qualifications and skill sets. Here's a brief overview of some prevalent archaeological careers and the fundamental education each one requires:
1. Archaeologist: Archaeologists delve into the mysteries of past human societies by excavating, analyzing, and interpreting artifacts, structures, and other remnants. To embark on this journey, you'll typically need a master's degree in archaeology or a similar discipline. Some roles, however, might necessitate a PhD.
2. Archaeological Technician: These professionals support archaeologists in conducting fieldwork, analyzing laboratory data, and curating artifacts. An undergraduate degree in archaeology or an allied field is generally enough for entry-level roles, while some may ask for a master's degree.
3. Conservator: Conservators are the guardians of artifacts, specializing in their preservation and restoration, including metals, ceramics, textiles, and more. A master's degree in archaeological conservation or a related field is usually the ticket to this career.
4. Cultural Resource Manager (CRM): CRMs spearhead cultural resource management projects for government bodies, private firms, and nonprofit organizations. They collaborate with archaeologists, historians, and other experts to ensure adherence to federal and state laws concerning historic preservation. A master's degree in archaeology or a related field is typically required for CRM roles.
5. Museum Curator: Museum curators are the stewards of museum or historical society collections. They research collections, design exhibits, and team up with educators to create educational programs. A master's degree in museum studies or a similar discipline is usually required for these roles.
6. Registrar: Registrars oversee the documentation and care of collections in museums or historical societies. They manage loans, acquisitions, deaccessions, and other facets of collection management. A master's degree in museum studies or a related field is typically required for these roles.
7. Teacher/Professor: Teachers and professors educate students about archaeology or a related field at the K-12 or university level. A bachelor's degree is enough for K-12 teaching roles, while a PhD is usually required for university teaching positions.
In essence, an undergraduate degree in archaeology or a related field can lay a robust groundwork for many of these careers. Students can then opt to further their education with a master's or PhD degree to specialize in a specific area of interest or meet particular job prerequisites. Don't forget that relevant work experience, obtained through internships or volunteering, can be instrumental in honing skills and forging valuable connections in the field.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Thank you so much, James Constantine!
Rebekah
J Huff
43
Answers
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Updated
J’s Answer
Hello Rebekah,
Archeology is an interesting field to pursue. You can find information about archeology by looking at the Occupational Outlook Handbook https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm
Additionally, check out colleges and universities with archeology programs. Reading their websites will give you insights into what to expect as an archeology major as well as careers and areas in which you can specialize.
Here are a few URLs of programs with archeology as a major.
https://wyoarchaeo.wyo.gov/index.php/about/uwar
https://archaeology.sites.unc.edu/home/rla/
https://archaeology.sites.unc.edu/home/ca/degree-programs/careers-for-archaeology-majors/
This URL lists public and private institutions with archeology as a major.
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/archeology-major-4503
I hope this helps.
Archeology is an interesting field to pursue. You can find information about archeology by looking at the Occupational Outlook Handbook https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm
Additionally, check out colleges and universities with archeology programs. Reading their websites will give you insights into what to expect as an archeology major as well as careers and areas in which you can specialize.
Here are a few URLs of programs with archeology as a major.
https://wyoarchaeo.wyo.gov/index.php/about/uwar
https://archaeology.sites.unc.edu/home/rla/
https://archaeology.sites.unc.edu/home/ca/degree-programs/careers-for-archaeology-majors/
This URL lists public and private institutions with archeology as a major.
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/archeology-major-4503
I hope this helps.
Loved reading this, thanks!
Rebekah