Expert: Ralph Salier - 8/14/2006

Question
Hello,

I saw your earlier response to a high school student interested in archaeology.  I'm currently helping a family friend with her college search in that field.  Were you referring to Arizona State or U of Arizona?

What if Camila is interested in other regions of the world?  What schools would you recommend?

Thanks!
Michaela

Answer
Hi Micheala,

Both have excellent programs.  U of A is somewhat more directed and they even have programs which look at Africa and Asia.  U of PA does a lot of work in the middle east and the Med. Seaton Hall has a good program which looks mostly at Europe. U of Hawaii has a small program which looks at the islands and genetic origins and the migration across the pacific.  Several schools including Arizona State have programs which look southward into the Americas.

All have programs which specialize in North America.  The U of Cal. system is very strong in NA archaeology (west coast focus).  U of Chicago has a good program but it tends to be somewhat unfocused but a sheepskin from there opens a lot of doors.  

The key items are to get certified as an archaeologist with a background in cultural resource management and know the laws (state and federal) that are impacted.