We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Archeologist

Save

Archaeologists study human societies by excavating and examining the remains of past cultures. They may work in the field, in laboratories, or in museums. Archaeologists use a variety of methods to study the past, including excavation, survey, and analysis of artifacts.

Education and Training

Most archaeologists have a bachelor's degree in archaeology or a related field, such as anthropology, history, or classics. Some archaeologists also have a master's degree or doctorate.

Skills and Knowledge

Archaeologists need to have a strong understanding of history, anthropology, and geology. They also need to be able to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

  • Excavation techniques
  • Survey methods
  • Artifact analysis
  • Historical research
  • Writing and communication skills

Career Prospects

Archaeologists can work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, government agencies, and private companies. They may work on projects related to cultural resource management, environmental impact assessment, or public education.

Transferable Skills

The skills that archaeologists develop can be transferred to a variety of other careers, such as research, writing, and teaching.

Day-to-Day

Read more

Archaeologists study human societies by excavating and examining the remains of past cultures. They may work in the field, in laboratories, or in museums. Archaeologists use a variety of methods to study the past, including excavation, survey, and analysis of artifacts.

Education and Training

Most archaeologists have a bachelor's degree in archaeology or a related field, such as anthropology, history, or classics. Some archaeologists also have a master's degree or doctorate.

Skills and Knowledge

Archaeologists need to have a strong understanding of history, anthropology, and geology. They also need to be able to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

  • Excavation techniques
  • Survey methods
  • Artifact analysis
  • Historical research
  • Writing and communication skills

Career Prospects

Archaeologists can work in a variety of settings, including universities, museums, government agencies, and private companies. They may work on projects related to cultural resource management, environmental impact assessment, or public education.

Transferable Skills

The skills that archaeologists develop can be transferred to a variety of other careers, such as research, writing, and teaching.

Day-to-Day

The day-to-day work of an archaeologist can vary depending on the project they are working on. However, some common tasks include:

  • Excavating and surveying archaeological sites
  • Analyzing artifacts
  • Writing reports and articles
  • Presenting their findings to the public

Challenges

Archaeologists face a number of challenges in their work, including:

  • The need to work in remote and often difficult conditions
  • The potential for injury or death while working on excavation sites
  • The need to balance the demands of research with the need to protect archaeological sites

Projects

Archaeologists may work on a variety of projects, including:

  • Excavating and surveying archaeological sites
  • Analyzing artifacts
  • Writing reports and articles
  • Presenting their findings to the public

Personal Growth

Archaeology is a challenging but rewarding field that can offer a variety of opportunities for personal growth. Archaeologists can learn about different cultures, history, and the human experience.

Personality Traits and Interests

People who are interested in archaeology should be curious, analytical, and detail-oriented. They should also be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career in archaeology. These projects can include:

  • Volunteering at an archaeological dig
  • Participating in an archaeological field school
  • Reading books and articles about archaeology
  • Visiting archaeological museums and sites

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about archaeology and prepare for a career in the field. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, access course materials at their own convenience, and complete assignments on their own time.

Online courses can help students develop a variety of skills that are essential for a career in archaeology, including:

  • Excavation techniques
  • Survey methods
  • Artifact analysis
  • Historical research
  • Writing and communication skills

While online courses can be a helpful learning tool, they are not enough to prepare someone for a career in archaeology. Students who want to pursue a career in archaeology should also consider pursuing a degree in the field and gaining experience through internships or volunteer work.

Share

Help others find this career page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Salaries for Archeologist

City
Median
New York
$86,000
San Francisco
$154,000
Seattle
$81,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$86,000
San Francisco
$154,000
Seattle
$81,000
Austin
$137,000
Toronto
$117,000
London
£47,000
Paris
€48,000
Berlin
€66,000
Tel Aviv
₪824,000
Singapore
S$92,000
Beijing
¥101,000
Shanghai
¥20,200
Shenzhen
¥170,000
Bengalaru
₹2,000,000
Delhi
₹600,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser