DotsCampus

Arts & Humanities

Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of past human societies through the physical evidence they left behind -- artifacts, structures, and landscapes. You'll learn excavation and survey techniques, artifact analysis, and how to interpret what physical remains tell us about how people lived, traded, and organized their societies. Fieldwork is central to this degree; most programmes require participation in an archaeological field school, where you get hands-on experience excavating and documenting real sites. Coursework also covers archaeological theory, dating methods, and increasingly, digital tools like GIS for mapping and analyzing sites.

BAMAMPhilPhD
Duration

—

Avg. salary

—

Demand

Growing

Offered at

0 institutions

Program objectives

  • 01Learn excavation, survey, and artifact documentation techniques.
  • 02Understand archaeological theory and methods of interpreting material culture.
  • 03Build skills in dating techniques and site analysis.
  • 04Gain hands-on fieldwork experience through a field school or excavation placement.
  • 05Develop research and writing skills for presenting archaeological findings.

Why choose this program

Genuinely hands-on learning

Fieldwork and lab analysis make this one of the more physically engaged humanities degrees, rather than being purely classroom-based.

Growing career path in cultural resource management

As construction and development projects expand, so does demand for archaeologists who assess and protect historic sites before building begins.

Builds broadly transferable research skills

The critical thinking, research, and writing skills you develop apply well beyond archaeology itself, into law, education, museum work, and more.

Skills you'll build

  • Excavation and archaeological survey techniques
  • Artifact analysis and documentation
  • Dating methods (e.g. radiocarbon dating)
  • GIS mapping and spatial analysis
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina for fieldwork
  • Critical thinking and interpretation
  • Written and verbal communication of research findings

Tools & software

  • GIS mapping software
  • Archaeological survey and excavation equipment
  • Artifact cataloguing databases

Challenges to expect

Academic

  • Interpreting archaeological evidence involves a lot of uncertainty and debate, which some students find frustrating compared to more clear-cut fields.

Technical

  • Learning proper excavation and documentation technique takes real practice and can't be fully learned from a textbook.

Financial

  • Field schools, which are often required, can add extra costs on top of regular tuition.

Personal

  • Fieldwork often means working outdoors in tough conditions -- heat, dust, physical labor -- for extended periods.

Tips from the field

  • Sign up for a field school as early as your programme allows -- it's often required for professional archaeology jobs, not just recommended.
  • Learn GIS and basic digital mapping tools; they're increasingly standard in archaeology and make you more competitive for jobs.
  • Consider which direction interests you most -- academic research, cultural resource management, or museum work -- since it shapes which electives and further study are worth pursuing.

Career paths

  • Field archaeologist
  • Cultural resource management (CRM) archaeologist
  • Museum curator
  • Heritage/conservation officer
  • University lecturer or researcher (with further study)

Where you can study this

NameLatest cutoffTuition (annual)

FAQs

Will I actually get to dig at real archaeological sites?+

Yes, most programmes require or strongly encourage participation in a field school, where you get hands-on excavation experience at a real site.

Is this the same as Anthropology?+

They're closely related and often taught in the same department, but Archaeology focuses specifically on physical remains and material culture, while Anthropology covers a broader study of human societies, including living cultures.

Can I get a job with just a bachelor's degree in Archaeology?+

Entry-level fieldwork and lab assistant roles are possible with a bachelor's, but higher-level positions like curator or lead researcher typically require a master's or PhD.

Is the job market for archaeologists competitive?+

It's a relatively small field with steady but not explosive demand, so building varied skills and gaining plenty of field experience really helps your job prospects.

What's Cultural Resource Management, and why does it matter?+

It's the practice of assessing and protecting historic and archaeological sites before construction or development projects proceed -- it's one of the fastest-growing employment areas for archaeologists today.

Related programs

Arts & Humanities

Advertising & Public Relations

Advertising and Public Relations teaches you how to shape public perception, manage corporate reputations, and craft persuasive ad campaigns. You will learn media relations, crisis communication, event management, brand storytelling, and strategic ad writing across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.

Arts & Humanities

African Studies

African Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that looks at the continent's history, politics, cultures, languages, economies, and societies as a connected whole rather than as separate country case studies. You'll pull together ideas from history, political science, sociology, literature, and economics to understand how African societies developed, how colonialism reshaped them, and how they're changing today. Coursework often includes at least one African language, plus regional specializations like West African history or Pan-Africanism. Fieldwork, oral history projects, and study-abroad placements are common ways students get hands-on experience with the material.

Arts & Humanities

Akan Language and Culture

Akan Language and Culture teaches you to speak, read, and write Akan fluently while studying the rich cultural traditions, history, and literature of Ghana's largest ethnic language group. It's a genuine deep-dive into one of Ghana's most significant languages and cultural heritages.

Advertisement

Arts & Humanities

Anthropology

Anthropology is the holistic study of humanity, exploring human behavior, biology, cultures, societies, and linguistics, both in the present and the past. Students learn to conduct ethnographic research, analyze cultural patterns, and understand human diversity across the globe.

Arts & Humanities

Biblical Studies

Biblical Studies focuses on the academic and theological exploration of the Bible, including its historical context, literary forms, theological themes, and interpretive methods. You will study Old and New Testaments, biblical languages, hermeneutics, archaeology, and church history, learning to analyze scripture with scholarly rigor and spiritual depth. The program prepares you for ministry, teaching, research, and further theological education.

Arts & Humanities

Biblical Studies with Business Administration

Biblical Studies with Business Administration combines theological education with practical business skills, preparing you for leadership roles in faith-based organizations, non-profits, and mission-driven enterprises. You will study biblical interpretation, theology, church history, and pastoral ministry alongside accounting, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. The program trains you to administer religious organizations effectively while grounding your work in biblical principles.

Advertisement