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 Hello Ralph, I am asking today if you would be able to answer a question about ranking prospective schools that I have looked into for some preliminary research involving graduate programs. I am completing a BA in Anthropology focusing on Archaeology at the University of Washington at this point, my notable professors have been Dr. Grayson, Dr. Peter Lape, Dr. Angela Close, and Dr. Marcos Llobera. At this time I am still having a little waver in EXACTLY what I want to emphasize, my exposure being primarily GIS, zooarchaeology, some lithics, and classical Israel excavation, but the schools that I have narrowed my search down to at this time are:
University of Connecticut
Boston University
Pittsburgh University
Pennsylvania State University
I was hoping you could give me a possible ranking and explanation if you are familiar with those schools in regards to their graduate programs. Right now I am mostly interested in an MA as an additional full 8 years towards a PhD is a little daunting to me at this moment. I certainly am interested in the PhD program, but funding is a huge concern for me, as all of these institutions are very expensive compared to my current budget at the University of Washington.
The items that I am most concerned about with the programs are:
financial aid and funding
admissions acceptance
fields of interest
prominence and respectability of Professors
Thank you very much for your time and consideration!
Answer Hi Sean,
Well first of all, please answer the questions below. This will help me to gain a better understanding of your expectations and desires.
1) what cultural area do you want to work in? Be specific since in a masters program you will be expected to begin specializing.
2) What do you hope to do with a Masters in Anthropology/Archaeology? Do you plan to teach at the university level? If so, a PhD is in your future.
3) U Wash has a good well rounded program but in recent years it seems to have lost some of its focus (Far East was a focus).
4) Do you have expectations for $$$ once you graduate? If so what is your expectation and what type of work to anticipate finding?
5) What are your grades and have you developed a good report with your profs?
6) Why these 4? what others are on the secondary list?
7) Do you have a back up plan? What other things are you interested in? Have you taken an interest survey to ensure that your focus is appropriate?
8) What other career paths have you considered?
In terms of rank, PSU would be on top although U Penn would be potentially a better choice
UC would be my next choice followed by Boston and then Pit. But this is some what dependent on your focus of study. You should let that rule the choice and then figure out the financing.
two notes of warning. With a Masters you can only teach at the local community college or 4 year college - NOT at a University - for this you will need a PhD. You can find work with the consulting companies but if you hope to work in the Mediterranean, finding good paying jobs is tough.
With a masters you may make as much as 50K a year but don't count on it. Even with luck, this is not real common. That is why you need a back up plan since your income needs to feed you house you and pay off the loans. For most people 50K won't cut it.
