Expert: Ralph Salier - 1/28/2009

Question
Dr. Salier,

I am looking for the best public anthropology/archaeology programs in the Midwest and West.  I have heard good things about the Big Ten, specifically Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois, but some schools to the west, namely Arizona, Arizona State, Kansas and Missouri seem to get mentioned a lot as well.  

The dream is to pursue my Ph.D. at the University of Chicago after college so I really need to attend a strong program.  What would you recommend?  Many thanks.

Answer
Hi Steve,

That depends on what you area of study and interest are.  Are you interested in NA archaeology, If so, what part of the NA?? Southwest, Northeast etc...  Or are you interested in European Prehistory, Middle Eastern .....

Please be very specific in your aspirations.  

On a different note.  Some advice.  Take it for what its worth.  

I know that you want to be an archaeologist.  However, you also need to be pragmatic.  There aren't that many jobs at the PhD level and there is a fair amount of competition.  I was given this advice by a world famous Archaeologist - Mary Leaky...

" Always have a backup career path planned for yourself - wether it is teaching at the secondary level, plumbing, economics etc... You may find that when you have a family you need to abandon your dreams and find real work..... be prepared to do it"

So, get back to me with where your interest are and I will help you focus on a program.