Expert: Ralph Salier - 10/1/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I am currently finishing my last semester towards my AA liberal arts degree and I'm going to be a spring transfer to major in archaeology. I've missed some deadlines for applications (such as the October 1st one a lot of schools have) because my college is giving me the run around about my records. Anyway, I am looking to go into an archaeology degree as an undergrad with a focus in classical archaeology and preferably not too much language. I know grad school is really important for someone wanting to do archaeology seriously but I'm not sure if I can afford it. I was wondering if you could give me any suggestions as to where I should consider going? I would prefer to go to New England somewhere.

Also, if you have any recommendations of cheaper schools that would allow me to go to grad school I would appreciate that. Or if you know what kind of alternatives there are. I definitely plan to go abroad and to do field work during my time as an undergrad.
Thank you,
Evelyn

ANSWER: HI Evelyn,

Why the classical cultures?  If you are not willing to learn Latin or Greek, it doesn't make much sense.  There is a growing need for qualified archaeologists right here in the US.  Please tell me what state you live in and I'll check out the archaeological programs at your state's schools.  Arizona, Texas and Pennsylvania all have great programs that are relatively inexpensive if you live in state.  

By the by, if you are still interested in the classics, then you can specialize in this area in a grad program.  I hope that you are resigned to never being rich or becoming wealthy being an archaeologist.

Besides the classics, any other areas of interest?  It would help me get a better understanding of your areas of interest.  Also, why archaeology?  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is not that I am unwilling to learn Latin or Greek but I have found a lot of programs that include their archaeology under classics and have a lot of language requirements based on that. I became attracted to archaeology from doing humanities and art history so classical cultures, especially in Europe, are what interest me the most.

I currently live in Texas but I have already missed the deadline for UT and I'm not sure if there are any other good ones.

I am obviously okay with never being rich as I have already admitted I probably can't afford grad school. I chose archaeology because it is always evolving and I like that it allows you to become physically involved but also requires knowledge of cultures.

Answer
So, you are in Texas.  Have you tried U north texas?  They have a great program in archaeology.  Its not classical per sea but having a good basic education in archaeology is a good start.  For the classics, the best three are Columbia, Yale and U of Chicago but all three are expensive as all get out and are NOT easy to get into even with great grades.  

UNT is a bit more flexible interms of deadlines.  Contact the dean of admissions and explain the situation and he/she may allow you to apply.  Today is the first of October and so long as the admissions docs are dated today, that may do the trick.  But I don't know for sure.  Deadlines are not always cast in concrete.

As for grad school, there are lots of ways to pay for it. Being a TA, low cost loans, fellowships, scholarships etc... Most people focus on a specialty area in grad school.  And if you don't want to be a "shovel bum" all your life, getting a graduate degree will be a requirement.  You could even do your MA in Europe potentially, depending on your GPA.

While I agree that the EUropean stuff looks cool, broaden your horizons early on and then focus as you learn about the wider world.   

If you need help getting into UNT, please let me know.  I know a few people there.

Ralph