Here’s a brief list of what Archaeologists do:

• Excavation: Conducts fieldwork to excavate and uncover artifacts, structures, and remains from archaeological sites using systematic excavation techniques.

• Artifact Analysis: Studies and analyzes artifacts, ecofacts (organic remains), and features recovered from excavation sites to understand past human activities, cultures, and environments.

• Site Survey and Mapping: Surveys and maps archaeological sites using geophysical methods, aerial photography, and geographic information systems (GIS) to document spatial relationships and features.

• Chronology and Dating: Establishes the chronology and dating of artifacts and archaeological contexts through relative dating methods (stratigraphy) and absolute dating techniques (radiocarbon dating, dendrochronology, etc.).

• Contextual Interpretation: Interprets archaeological findings within their cultural, historical, and environmental contexts to reconstruct past societies, economies, technologies, and lifestyles.

• Field Report and Publication: Prepares detailed field reports, research papers, and publications documenting archaeological discoveries, methodologies, and interpretations for academic and public audiences.

• Collaboration and Outreach: Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, indigenous communities, and stakeholders to conduct research, preserve cultural heritage, and engage in public outreach and education.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree:

   • Start with a bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, or a closely related field. Courses in archaeology should cover topics such as archaeological methods, theory, cultural heritage management, and regional archaeology.

   • Consider taking courses in physical sciences (such as geology or chemistry) and statistics, as these are often useful in archaeological research.

   Gain Field Experience:

   • Participate in archaeological field schools or excavations during your undergraduate studies or through volunteer opportunities. Field experience provides hands-on training in archaeological methods, including excavation techniques, artifact identification, recording, and preservation.

   • Seek internships or volunteer positions at museums, historical societies, or cultural resource management firms to gain additional practical experience.

   Earn an Advanced Degree (Optional but Recommended):

   • While some entry-level positions may only require a bachelor’s degree, pursuing a master’s (MA or MSc) or doctoral (PhD) degree in archaeology or a related field can enhance your career prospects, especially for research, academic, or leadership roles.

   • Advanced degrees typically involve conducting original research, writing a thesis or dissertation, and specializing in a particular area of archaeology (e.g., prehistoric archaeology, classical archaeology, underwater archaeology).

   Develop Specialized Skills:

   • Learn how to analyze and interpret archaeological data, including artifacts, ecofacts, and features.

   • Gain proficiency in archaeological survey techniques, mapping, and geographic information systems (GIS).

   • Familiarize yourself with laboratory methods for artifact analysis, conservation, and dating techniques (such as radiocarbon dating).

   Build a Professional Network:

   • Join archaeological organizations and attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to network with archaeologists and professionals in the field.

   • Participate in local or international archaeological projects to collaborate with experts and gain diverse experiences.

     This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!