AboutRalph Salier Expertise Archaeologist for the last 30 years. Norh American generalist and Hopwell culture/Red Ocher culture specifically. Lithics Expert and Ground Stone tools.
Experience
Past/Present clients Numerous museums in US and Canada. Several University Anthropology Departments.
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.
