Expert: Ralph Salier - 7/7/2009

Question
Hi, my names Jennifer and I'm going to be attending Humboldt State University this fall. I am still undecided when it comes to majors but i have always been interested in archeology and i am considering this major if Humboldt has the classes for it. I was wondering what classes are needed to major in this field because i am not sure if Humboldt has those classes. I know that it does not have an archeology class itself. So if you could please help me out with that question because i am still trying to decide what i would like to do.   Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

Humboldt has a small program which includes some archaeology.  Mary Scoggin, departmental chair is well respected and in my view has a good faculty to support the department.  So, if you are interested in archaeology and anthropology, it is a good place to go.  Other California schools have bigger and better programs but if this is close to home and family, I understand the logic of keeping costs down.  

I would like to impart a recommendation to you that I was given by Mary Leaky: " become an archaeologist but make sure that you have a back up plan.  Study economics, sociology, teaching, plumbing or electrical work, something to fall back on in the event you can't find work in the field"  I took her advice and I am happy I did.  My recommendation is to get a teaching certificate that way you will have your summers off to go do archaeology and still have a job that will always be in demand.