Expert: Ralph Salier - 11/3/2008

Question
I am a junior in high school and am very interested in archeology. I have been looking at colleges and finding very few with bachelors programs in archeology. Most offer  archeology only within the anthropology program and award degrees in anthropology. I am wondering whether i should restrict my search to colleges with an archeology department or which degrees in archeology, and whether a degree in anthropology will provide me with equivalent career opportunities after graduation.

Answer
Hi Domenic,

The degree is ALWAYS in anthropology.  Archaeology is an off shoot of Anthro.  Besides, to understand what you are doing as an archaeologist, doing all of the required course work in Anthro is critical.  But as I was once told by someone I highly respect, get a minor in another subject like economics, Sociology, Psychology or even computer science.  That way, when or if you have a hard time finding work in archaeology or find that you need to settle down and find other work, you have something else to fall back on.    Even plumbing or teaching.  As a teacher, you have the summers off!