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Archeologist

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Science and Mathematics pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Master's degree

Archeologists need a master's degree or Ph.D. in archeology for most positions. Experience doing fieldwork is also important. Those with a bachelor's degree may find work as assistants or fieldworkers. Archeologists typically need a Ph.D. to work internationally in order to comply with the requirements of foreign governments.

Insider Info

Additional Information

A good way to get your feet wet is to volunteer for an archeological project. There are ongoing projects in many locations. Contact an archeological association or related groups, like EarthWatch, to find out more.

"Summer archeological field schools provide the best way to learn how to properly excavate and record archeological sites, and to find out if archeology is really for you," says archeologist David Carlson.

If you're still ready to go after doing some volunteer work, the next step is to hit the textbooks. Archeologists usually need a minimum of a master's degree to find employment in this field.

"A master's degree is sufficient to direct field crews, work for government or private companies or teach at a community college. But even with this, your opportunities are limited," says Annabel Ford, an archeologist with the University of California.

Teaching at the university level and many of the other activities usually associated with archeology require a PhD.

Many universities offer studies in archeology, but most include it as a sub-discipline of the anthropology department.

"Students should create an undergraduate degree for themselves," says Mark Meister, executive director of the Archeological Institute of America. He adds that you should major in the aspect of archeology that most interests you. "Art history, for example, is good for learning about artifacts."

It's also recommended that you take courses in related areas such as anthropology, geology or botany. Once you have a bachelor's degree, you can go on to a master's program.