Overview of Archeology

Archeology is an interdisciplinary field of science that focuses on the culture, behavior, and history of past civilizations. The knowledge gained through archeology can be used to understand the development of human cultures and societies, and to make connections to our current world. Archeological research is essential to the industries of cultural heritage, heritage conservation, and archaeology tourism. It is used to excavate and study items such as artifacts, ruins, and other evidence of past human existence. By studying and understanding these objects and findings, archeologists can have a better understanding of past societies and the development of human cultures.

Career Opportunities with Archeology

Archeology is a broad field that can lead to a number of different careers paths. Professionals can work as archeologists, museum curators, anthropologists, research assistants, interpreters, park rangers, field technicians, or historical researchers. These professionals work on projects ranging from uncovering ancient ruins to researching historic artifacts or examining remains in order to gain insight into past cultures. They can also work for government agencies, nonprofits and educational universities or private companies.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities Related to Archeology

The best way to gain experience in Archeology is to pursue internships or co-op programs. Internships are available through individual, museums, universities, and research organisations. Such programs provide the opportunity for aspiring archeologists to learn about the practical aspects of the profession, and gain field experience. Internships and co-ops can help teach students the basics of archeological research, lab analysis, and preservation techniques.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Archeology

Archeology is highly interdisciplinary, and there are various specialized tracks and concentrations available. Tracks within archeology can focus on topics such as physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, historical archaeology, bioarchaeology, prehistoric archaeology, skeletal analysis, forensic archaeology, and museum studies. Those interested in a particular field can specialize in that specific area or pursue multiple concentrations.

How Archeology Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Archeology provides a solid foundation for graduate school or further education by providing the skills and insights necessary to think critically and effectively. With the scientific approach used in archeology, students develop research and analytical skills that can be applied not only to archeological fieldwork, but to a variety of other disciplines. Undergraduate students can develop communication and presentation skills by presenting findings in the form of reports or presentations.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Archeology

Artificial Intelligence has been used in a variety of ways to improve the efficiency of archeological digging, as well as the accuracy of analyzing and interpreting data. For example, AI can be used to automate the identification of artifacts and ancient ruins, or to quickly and accurately spot patterns in the data collected during research. AI also has the potential to integrate archeological information with various types of digital mapping data to create a more complete understanding of past societies. By leveraging the power of machine learning, AI can help archeologists make more accurate predictions about the past.

The Career Outlook for Archeology

The job outlook for Archeology is extremely bright, as demand continues to grow for highly-trained and experienced professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for archeologists is around $63,490 per year. Employment of archeologists is expected to grow by 12.2 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Thus, a career in Archeology can be a very rewarding and lucrative opportunity.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Archeology:

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Salary: $27,671

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Archeology.