Expert: Ralph Salier - 2/14/2009

Question
As an American who spent most of her growing-up years in England, I've
always had an interest in archaeology.  I toured many of the Roman and
Viking sites in Great Britain as a child and even got to visit my brother on a
dig or two when he was still considering a career in this field.

I was told by many friends that a career in archaeology would be impractical
so I ended up returning to the States to attend the US Naval Academy where I
obtained a B.S. with Honors in English and a Minor in Russian Language. I
commissioned into the U.S. Army and have spent the last two years in
training as an Intelligence Officer.

Last week, I found out that I will be discharged from the Army, for medical
reasons, within the next few months.  Since then, I have been able to think of
nothing but pursuing my original interest in archaeology. My question (sorry
it has taken me so long to get to it!) is how I might pursue a career from this
point.  I will be moving to Germany soon, to join my husband, and I intend to
try to get fieldwork experience in Europe (particularly the UK) while I am
there. My interest is in European and Classical archaeology. Would it be
necessary for me to get an undergraduate degree in archaeology or might I
look at going straight for an MA? Which schools would you recommend either
for distance learning or for study in the US or UK?

I'm sorry for giving so much information at once.  I would greatly appreciate
any advice you can give.

Answer
Hi Rachel,

There are several schools in Europe and the UK that have excellent Archaeology programs.

Among these are Oxford, Cambridge and University College London.  On the main land, the university in Amsterdam NL and many of the universities in the German federal system have excellent programs.  However, I agree with your friends that it is an impractical field of study unless you have a backup plan.  To quote a dearly departed friend, Mary Leakey:

"Become an archaeologist by all means but, make sure that you have a backup plan in place in case you are unable to find work.  Study economics, social work, become a school teacher etc... even a plumber!.  This way, you can still do archaeology but if you can't you can still find work."  I am very happy that I took her advice, there were times it came in handy.

Personnally, I think that a teaching certificate is the best, one in history/social studies, so that you get the benefits plus t he long summer vacation that allows you to do the archaeology and get two pay checks (potentially).  

Studying archaeology in the US prior to doing archaeology in Europe does not prepare you for how things are done over there.  In the US, archaeology is approached much more scientifically  then in Europe where it is still a social science with real science tossed in for interest sake.  In the US it is a scientific endevor with social science tossed in.  

So, rather then jumping in with both feet, I would recommend that you join the Field Studies Council in the UK and participate in their archaeological digs.  These generally last two weeks and take place in many places in  the UK and on occasion on the continent.  This will get you feet wet, find out how hard and dirty it can be and will give you a "dirt" eye view of what you will be getting into.

There is also  the German Society of Archaeology and they sponsor digs too.  You may want to join www.shovelbums.com (or org). to see their up coming list of field schools.