Expert: Ralph Salier - 4/15/2008

Question
dear Mr. Salier,

as the many others who have asked, i am also highly interested in the study of archaeology and possibly some areas similar to it such as paleontology and anthropology. i am a junior in high school and I'm beginning to find colleges that would suite me. i live in NJ so I'm trying to find schools that are in my area in terms of the northeastern region. i have looked into colleges such as NYU and UCONN and UVM but i am not sure if they have great programs in the fields I'm interested in. And i would also like to know if there are any smaller schools out there that might be better then these in terms of the superiority in the programs towards my planned degrees. And if you could name some other larger schools that are in this region, not necessarily close to home (which I'm not to crazy about staying near,unless its NYU) it would be great because I'm am also planning to run in college at a varsity level, so i would prefer to go to those big schools to perform better due to higher competition. your information would be greatly appreciated.


Answer
Hi Arthur,

Try U of Pennsylvania, Columbia, U Mass, or Seaton Hall.  All have good programs.  But, as I tell every on who is planning a life in archaeology, be sure you have a back up plan,  Study economics, sociology, geology, double major in history and education.  This way if you can't find work as an archaeologist, you have some other career path to fall back on.

Teaching does not pay well but it does give you the summers off and if you get paid 12 months, it kind of pays you to dig!.

Some thing to think about.

Have more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Ralph