How to become an Archaeologist?

Archaeology focuses on the study of past human cultures through research of historical sites and artifacts, such as tools, skeletal remains and structural ruins.

A bachelor's degree is considered the minimum educational requirement to begin a career in the field, but most archaeologists need an advanced degree and extensive field experience.

Master's and doctoral programs include regional or time period concentrations, and doctoral programs may require proficiency in more than one foreign language.

Doctoral program applicants typically hold a master's degree in archaeology or a related field. Both master's and doctoral programs focus extensively on research.

• Program levels: Bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees in archaeology
• Program fields: Anthropology, philosophy, and science degree programs may contain archaeology specialisations.
• Prerequisites: Undergraduate degrees require a high school diploma or equivalent. Master's degree programs require a bachelor's degree. Doctoral programs require similar submissions with a master's degree in a closely related field.
• Other requirements: Final project, thesis, exam and/or dissertation.

Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology

Bachelor's degree programs in archaeology hone students' skills in processing, analysis, computing, methods and theory related to archaeology. History, culture and art are also integrated into coursework. Many schools in the United States offer archaeology as a specialisation within anthropology.

Some schools may allow further concentration in small-scale or complex societies, heritage, or a particular geographic region. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have an advantage with good grades in geography and history courses.

Students in a bachelor's program for archaeology or anthropology have plenty of research opportunities abroad to participate in fieldwork. Laboratory classes provide students with an opportunity to utilise methods of cleaning materials.

Some programs require an accompanying minor, such as biology, geoarchaeology or history. Students may also be required to become proficient in a foreign language in addition to core courses. In the second or third year of enrollment, students will concentrate more on archaeology. Some universities will call for students to complete a senior project to complete the degree. Some possible courses include:

• World cultures
• History of anthropological theory
• Paleoanthropology
• Historical geology
• Human evolution
• Earth materials

Master's Degree in Archaeology

Master's degree programs in archaeology allow students to specialise in a specific region or time period. Prospective students should apply to degree programs that are in line with their interests and professional goals. Advanced degree programs require applicants to submit a bachelor's degree, letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and scores from standardised tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Instruction in a master's degree program focuses on archaeological theory, methods of removal, practical field experience, analysis and laboratory techniques. A master's degree thesis is required in many programs. Some classes include laboratory or fieldwork components that afford students the opportunity to gain practical experience. Other classes focus on archaeological theory and methods of investigation. Some possible courses include:

• Archaeological laws and ethics
• Managing cultural resources
• Human osteology
• Ethnographic research
• Historic preservation
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Doctor of Philosophy in Archaeology

Prospective doctoral applicants must have a master's degree in archaeology and submit standardised test scores (such as the Graduate Record Examination), letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae, a writing sample and a statement of purpose.

Students enrolled in a doctoral degree program focus on a particular facet of archaeological research, such as a specific culture or society or a particular facet of anthropology. Common emphasis areas include Renaissance art, Greek archaeology, historic preservation and Roman archaeology and art.

Many anthropology and archaeology departments are closely connected, and they offer an opportunity to study overlapping areas of interest. Individuals work closely with scientific techniques, becoming proficient at analysing, dating and interpreting details.

Students should also be proficient in the language of the area they plan to study, and some programs require proficiency in at least two languages beyond the student's native language. For example, a student specialising in classical archaeology must be fluent in Latin and Greek. A comprehensive examination and a dissertation are required to complete the degree.

Some core courses in advanced archaeology are required before a student can focus on a particular facet of the field. Elective courses should provide additional information and background on a student's emphasis area. Some core archaeology courses may include:

• Classical Greek sculpture and painting
• Architecture of Periclean Athens
• Underwater archaeology
• Problems in ancient architecture
• Food-gathering societies
• Civilisations

Popular Career Options

An undergraduate degree in archaeology opens up many career paths. Opportunities exist with governments, research organisations and museums. Some possible careers include:

• Archaeological lab technician
• Research archaeologist
• Cultural resources specialist
• Park ranger
• Collections manager Many graduates of master's degree programs in archaeology enter into education or cultural resources management. Some possible careers include:
• Archaeology instructor
• Contract archaeologist
• Archaeological field director
• Egyptologist

Most archaeologists work in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its exploration, excavation, epigraphy, pre-history and museum branches (for these jobs, the ASI diploma is a must). Headquartered in Delhi, ASI is involved in the exploration, excavation, conservation and maintenance of 3,600 centrally protected sites and monuments in India.

It is also involved in epigraphic research and chemical preservation of antiquarian remains and the organisation and maintenance of site museums. ASI also publishes site guides, brochures, catalogues, excavation reports and picture postcards. With divisions in every state,

ASI employs a large network of professionals both in the state archaeological departments as well as in the centre. Recruitment is through exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and state public service commissions. The pay scales are as per state/central government scales. A PhD in archaeology is necessary for the higher posts of superintendent of archaeology or senior archaeologist.

The ASI also employs those specialising in classical, ancient or medieval languages. Archaeologists also work in the historical department of the ministry of external affairs, in the Central Board of Film Censors, films division of the ministry of information and broadcasting, defence services,

All India Handicrafts Board, ministry of education and with the departments of tourism, Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), National Archives of India, among others.

All said and done, a major chunk of openings are to be found in the government. Besides government organisations, there are various other heritage bodies like INTACH and some foreign universities and foundations that are involved in urban conservation or excavations in India that provide employment to archaeologists.

Archaeologists can also seek funds to go abroad to join or conduct excavations in their sphere of specialisation. They can also work as experts or consultants on media related projects like films or documentaries on archaeological sites and cultures. Private collectors and museums may also require their services.

Where to study Archaeology in India?

At the postgraduate level, archaeology is offered at more than 25 universities across the country. In the north you can look at the following: Institute of Archaeology, Archaeological Survey of India, Red Fort Complex, New Delhi.

Course: PG diploma in archaeology (two years) Eligibility: Master’s degree (ancient/medieval Indian history)/ (archaeology/anthropology /Indian classical language/ geology with knowledge of Pleistocene age; 55%). Stipend: is paid to unemployed students for the period of two years.

Barkatullah Vishwavidhyalaya, Bhopal (MP); Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (UP); Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (Haryana) The Delhi Institute of Heritage Research & Management (New Delhi); Course: Master’s in archaeology and heritage management (two years) Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (humanities/science).