Expert: Ralph Salier - 2/26/2010

Question
Hello, I understand you have been getting these questions a lot, but I haven't found the answer I'm looking for on the past questions. I am a high school junior, and aspiring archaeologist. After I graduate high school, is it best to go straight to a university or start saving for grad school and go to community college for the first two years, and then transfer? Also, do you have to get a bachelor's, and master's in archaeology to get into a grad program? Basically, my goal is to get a Ph.D. in the concentration that I will eventually narrow down to, but am fuzzy on the details on how to get there.

Answer
Hi Emily,

Going to a Junior college is a good idea if you or your family does not have the financial were-withall  to pay for a more expensive college or university but the down side is  that most JCs don't have an archaeology program.  If you find that your state JCs do, then by all means go for it.  

Some state schools have good programs in archaeology as part of  their anthro departments but this does take some research.  Of course the state schools in your state may not but they will be much less expensive then going out of state or going to a private university or college.  So, look first at your state's university systems to see which campus has an archaeology program.  Getting a BA in Anthro/Archaeology will be a prereq for a Masters in the field.  The primary reason for this is that as a BA student you will need to do field work and lab work in archaeology.  Then as a Masters student, you can begin to focus on a cultural area while using the skills learned as a BA.  This then leads to a PhD if it is economical to do so and if your long term goal is teaching at the university level.  

One note of caution, this is an expensive undertaking and coming out and finding a job may not be easy.  Join www.shovelbums.org and begin to read the job descriptions and what is required.  Make a list of those and then make sure that you get classes in these subject areas.  My last caution is that you need to have a back up plan.  Finding work  today may be relatively easy but that can change, or you may find that over time you don't like it.  So, also study an alternative subject area or learn a trade like brick laying.  This way you can still find employment if you can find a dig to work on.  

Have you every participated in a dig?  If you tell me where you live, I will put you in contact with your local Archaeological Society.  Many sponsor digs during the Spring, Summer and Fall (depending on temperature), and are often supervised by professionals.  This kind of exposure will either help you crystalize your interest or help you decide not to go forward.  Also your exposure to a professional will give you a connection you can t hen use when applying for a program.  

Good luck!