Archaeology, the study of culture through material remains, provides an excellent avenue for students to pursue an interest in anthropology. Archaeological investigations, because they are not dependent upon written records or direct observation of people, have the ability to focus on any portion of the nearly five-million-year-long period when modern humans, or their recognizable ancestors, have existed on our planet. This unique perspective gives archaeologists an important ability to integrate long term time frames into investigations of cultural diversity and change.
Archaeologists have an important role to play in the preservation of cultural heritage as well. Federal, state, and local laws now mandate a wide variety of cultural heritage management and preservation practices, many of which rely directly upon archaeological study and interpretation.
A wide range of career paths may be chosen by Anthropological Archaeologists in traditional academic settings, museums, federal and state agencies, private businesses, and, frequently, combinations of these. Currently, there are many job opportunities available to those with B.A. degrees, especially in the government funded and private sectors.
The archaeology track is intended to provide specific preparation for students wishing to pursue both the traditional academic track into graduate programs and federal, state, or private opportunities in archaeology and cultural resource management, without pursuit of a graduate level degree.
For more information, see the undergraduate catalog:
B.A. in Anthropology/Archaeology Track
Graduation Checksheet
