posted September 24, 2007
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Learning about Archaeology – information for students

ARCHAEOLOGY AS A CAREER

The primary professional organization in the US is The Society for American Archaeology found at http://www.saa.org/

There are a number of informative links on that page. If you want more access to information, you might want to consider membership ($65/yr for students; you'll see a discount rate listed online, but it only applies to people living in Latin America). Also think about getting some experience to help you know whether or not you really like archaeology. There are two basic ways for a beginner to get experience: (1) volunteering locally or globally (such as at a local museum or on a dig) to excavate or do something with archaeological collections, and (2) finding a local professional (whose job interests you) to talk to (you can contact this person and request an informational interview; explain to them what you want to learn about archaeological careers and ask how you can best prepare). These two web sites might lead you to useful contacts.

http://www.digonsite.com/guide/index.html (Dig’s State-by-State Guide)

http://www.saa.org/public/resources/stateresources.html (another guide organized by state)

GOING ON A DIG

Even beginners can go on a dig during the summer. Field experience will tell you if you really want to be an archaeologist. You have the choice of looking for a volunteer opportunity or a field school. If you want to travel away from home, then you have to find a way to pay for travel and living expenses. If you choose a field school, then you must pay the tuition in addition. Credits earned at any archaeological field school are usually transferable to your 4-year college program.

Archaeology.about.com has some good information about field schools and digs around the world:

http://archaeology.about.com/od/currentdigs/Archaeology_Digs.htm (Please note that the advertising on this site is not controlled by its author, archaeologist Kris Hirst; I am recommending only her articles and listings.)

Other organizations with field school and volunteer information are:

http://www.saa.org/public/news/field-lab.html (from the SAA again)

http://www.archaeological.org/webinfo.php?page=10015 (from the AIA)

http://www.britarch.ac.uk/briefing/field.asp (for mostly British opportunities)

http://www.nps.gov/archeology/public/index.htm (various opportunities from the National Parks Service)

Also, almost every state has an official State Archaeologist. To find a state archaeologist, try googling “<state name> State Archaeologist” . The state archaeologist will know about programs and can give advice.

WHERE TO STUDY ARCHAEOLOGY

Email Dr. Deborah Shepherd if you want additional information.

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