Archaeology Schools with Undergraduate Programs and Majors
The study of archaeology looks at the culture of humans throughout history. Undergraduate education programs in archaeology are often found within anthropology programs, though some stand alone programs do exist. When searching for an archaeology degree program, prospective students may consider the possible areas of specialization, faculty talent, hands-on experience opportunities and program accreditation.
How to Select an Archaeology School
The majority of U.S. schools offering archaeology or archeology degree programs do so at the graduate level. However, some universities and colleges do offer archaeology programs and courses within undergraduate anthropology, geography and social science degree programs.
Most undergraduate degree programs in archaeology are multidisciplinary and require students to gain a strong background in world history, languages, art history, biology and physical science. These programs are typically designed to prepare students for advanced graduate study in the field of archaeology. Students can examine the different focuses and choose a program that corresponds with their interests and career goals.
Prospective archaeologists can also look for archaeology programs that prepare students through hands-on projects. Some universities with faculty active in the field extend these opportunities through summer internship programs in international locations, although it is more common within graduate-level programs. Students can take advantage of internship and fieldwork experience to apply theoretical principles towards hands-on digs and excavations, although at the undergraduate level they tend to be highly supervised by faculty.
While there is no traditional certification process for graduates of an archaeology program, students may want to consider program accreditation when selection an archaeology school. In addition, schools should provide effective advisors to help students who are preparing for graduate study in the field of archaeology. Advisors aid the student in determining an appropriate future concentration and guide the completion of an eventual thesis project or paper.
Largest Schools in the U.S. Offering Archaeology Degrees by Student Enrollment
| College/University | Student population | Institution Type |
|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | 51,140 | 4-year, Public |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 49,984 | 4-year, Public |
| Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus | 44,406 | 4-year, Public |
| New York University | 42,189 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| University of California - Los Angeles | 38,220 | 4-year, Public |
| Brigham Young University | 34,244 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Pima Community College | 34,136 | 2-year, Public |
| University of Southern California | 33,747 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Boston University | 31,766 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| University of Missouri - Columbia | 30,130 | 4-year, Public |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 28,567 | 4-year, Public |
| University of South Carolina - Columbia | 27,488 | 4-year, Public |
| Palomar College | 26,805 | 2-year, Public |
| George Washington University | 25,116 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Fresno City College | 24,783 | 2-year, Public |
| University of Akron Main Campus | 24,119 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Pennsylvania | 24,107 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| CUNY Hunter College | 21,258 | 4-year, Public |
| Illinois State University | 20,799 | 4-year, Public |
| Cornell University | 20,273 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
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