Expert: John J. Shea - 11/7/2008

Question
Hi,
I've been searching through all previous questions but none of them seem to help me...

In the past two years I have been getting steadily interested in archaeology. However, I'm majoring in history and international studies. Since I'm currently a junior in college and plan to graduate in 2010 it seems quite late in the game for me to abandon my current path--which I don't want to do. I was wondering if it is common for those who go to grad school for archaeology to come from backgrounds other than anthro/archaeology majors? Or would it be recommended that I pursue another BA? Re grad school, I was planning to step right in after graduating, but taking time off to get some actual fieldwork experience through volunteering. I can't seem to find any help on the subject and my school does not offer adequate resources or advisors in the areas of archaeology/anthropology.

Thank you for your help,
Sara

PS: I have taken anthro courses in the past, and plan to take a entry-level archaeology course when I go abroad to England this coming spring semester. Thanks again : )

Answer
Sara
It is indeed common for students to go into archae. from history, albeit usually they focus on the archaeology of complex societies and/or historical archaeology.  Your best bet now, though, is to attend an archaeological field school this summer.  That way, you can find out if archaeology is all you think it to be before you committ to grad school.  For good field schools, check out "fieldwork opportunities" at www.archaeological.org.
The key thing for grad schools is to determine what you want to stud, i.e.,  Old World vs. New World, historic/complex societies vs. prehistoric.  Once you have narrowed it down a bit, you should look for active scholars in that area and apply to work with them.  Write to them or call them, explain your situation and ask for advice about taking time off vs. plunging right in.  The worst thing to do is to apply to a program without having met with and/or discussed it with the professors with whom you want to study.  Applying "blind" as it were, is like a lottery.
Among those of my undergrad students who have done well in grad school and beyond, most time off after undergrad (a year or two).
That course in archaeology in the UK is a good idea, and will probably help you figure out what you want to do in achaeology.
If you have very good GPA (>3.5) and strong GRE scores (>80th percentiles), don't waste time with an MA, just apply to Ph.D. programs.
I hope this advice helps
Cheers
John Shea