Expert: Ralph Salier - 8/31/2009

Question
Hey Ralph,

I was kind of confused about getting a degree in archaeology. What kind of degree should I get before I go to grad school? What are the majors I should take and what you recommend, also what did you do in college?

Sincerely,
  Dave

Answer
HI Dave,

Well, I'm not sure that I can answer this question.  I take it that you are in college and in an Archaeology/Anthro program.  If this is the case where are you and what year are you in?  As for grad school, what do you plan to do with a degree in archaeology/anthro?  Do you plan to be a shovel bum or are your expectations higher then that?  If so, what are your expecations?

In college, I first got an associates degree (due to lack of money) and this was in geology and computer science.  My BA was in Anthropology/Archaeology and my Masters was first going to be in NA Archaeology but I found that finding work in this field with out a PhD would be impossible (at the time),  So, I switched to business Anthropology and took courses in business as well as contemporary cultural and ethnographic anthro.  It allowed me to find work in industry.  Do I still do archaeology, yes.  I am on the advisory board of several organizations and consult around the world.  I have an expertise in ground stone tools and how these are made.