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 QUESTION: First I would like to Thank You for taking time to answer my question.I am interested in a BA in Anthropology/(classical)archaeology.And was wondering what school or schools have top notch programs for this area of study at a reasonable price. I have my graduate school already picked out for archaeology,Texas A&M for their nautical archaeology program. And I also already have a back up plan for a career which is my main career right now, wildland/structure firefighter. If you could help me out I would greatly appreciate it.
ANSWER: Hi Daniel,
U of Pennsylvania. Columbia U, U florida (nautical too).
In the UK, Oxford or Cambridge.
What do you hope to do with it?
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I kinda really do not know. I figured I would get teaching certification so I could feed myself. Somewhat unfamiliar with what I could possible do with a classical archaeology degree. I know pretty extensively about the U.S. government program as far as- Forest Service,BLM,NPS,and somebody else I am forgetting. Through experiences on wildfires. Not really interested in the cultures they study. Do you know anything about James Madison University. I have looked at them pretty extensively and have even applied to attend the school. (still waiting on a decision)
Answer Hi Daniel,
JM is a good school but I've not been overly impressed by their classical archaeology program, I think it is a bit light. In the US the two best schools for Maritime archaeology are East Carolina and Florida State U. In the UK Bournemouth
If you want to focus on Nautical, you will need to make a choice, US style or European style (UK) They are different and they take very different approaches. Do you dive?
The US takes a very scientific approach while the Brits take a some what non-scientific wholeistic approach. I've done both (on solid ground) and I can tell you that the US approach is a lot less loose and allows for better data capture.
If you get a teaching cert, do so in History or Social Studies this way, the archaeology you can do during the summer break will enhance your teaching.
I know that you aren't interested in US archaeology but consider the Mississippian cultures along the Mississippi River, the Anastazi of the Southwest, Other cultures from Meso and South America.
