An Archaeology student looks at rock chips and some arrowheads in a lab. KNOWLEDGE THAT MOVES YOU AHEAD  From analyzing the significance of a chip of nonnative rock to learning the laws that protect historic sites, you'll gain expertise through the MA in Applied Archaeology, one of only a few graduate programs in the U.S. that focuses on cultural resource management (or CRM).

The path to becoming a professional archaeologist

Whether your goal is to become involved in cultural resource management, historic preservation, or heritage planning and tourism, we prepare you to work anywhere in the nation as an applied or professional archaeologist. With an MA in Applied Archaeology, you will have the discipline-specific knowledge, technical training, and experience to be employed as professional archaeologists in a variety of settings. IUP is one of the few universities in the nation that offers an MA degree specifically focused on cultural resource management.

A need for archaeologists

Cultural resource investigations are required by federal law, so the demand for professional archaeologists is closely linked to the development and permitting of transportation, energy, recreation, and military projects. As America expands, so does the need for trained archaeologists. Many IUP applied archaeology graduates go on to work for private consulting firms, state agencies, and federal agencies.

Tourism is also an important economic force, improving a state's economy while also promoting a sense of regional and state pride. States like Pennsylvania have long recognized the need to combine research on cultural and historical preservation with tourism. More professionals are needed in the fields of cultural and historic preservation, key components of heritage tourism, the most rapidly expanding segment of the tourism industry.

MA in Applied Archaeology

The program is designed to prepare you to meet:

  • The U.S. Secretary of the Interior's standards for professional archaeologists (an option for individuals already employed in the field of CRM)
  • All the requirements for being a professional archeologist except for a full year of experience as a project supervisor (an option for students who enter the program immediately after graduation with a bachelor's degree, or who otherwise do not meet the experience requirement).
  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students who enter the program usually hold a bachelor's degree in anthropology, history, geography, or a related field.

The IUP difference

Anthropology faculty  You will be taught by professors who are experienced teachers and active researchers in different aspects of cultural resource management and applied archaeology. Many hold or have held leadership positions in state and national professional organizations. All are deeply committed to educating their students.

IUP Archaeological Services Archaeological sites are the reservoir of more than 15,000 years of Pennsylvania history. IUP Archaeological Services is a research center that provides technical assistance to a wide variety of agencies, and is fully staffed and well equipped to conduct field and laboratory projects across the state. We also provide opportunities for hands-on professional experience for students in the applied archaeology program.

High-demand training Our MA in Applied Archaeology program is one of only a few programs in the U.S. and the only one in Pennsylvania.

Professional board of directors  The MA in Applied Archaeology program is supported by a board of professional archaeologists, representing private companies, as well as state and federal agencies. The board provides work opportunities for students and ensures that the program of study remains responsive to industry needs.