An archaeologist is a person who studies the remains of ancient human cultures.
Archaeologist job duties include:
- Conducting fieldwork, which may involve excavating sites
- Supervising fieldwork crews
- Analyzing artifacts
- Identifying and classifying artifacts
- Drawing maps of archaeological sites
- Writing reports on findings
- Giving presentations on findings
- Teaching about archaeology
- Consulting with other archaeologists
Archaeologist Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for becoming an archaeologist, although a bachelor's degree in archaeology or anthropology is often helpful. Certification is not required, but many archaeologists choose to become certified through the Register of Professional Archaeologists. Experience is also not required, although many archaeologists start out as volunteers or interns before landing a paid position.
Archaeologist Skills
- Excavation
- Restoration
- Conservation
- Museum management
- Artifact identification
- Historical research
- Report writing
- Public speaking
- Grant writing
- Fundraising
- Project management
Related: Top Archaeologist Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Archaeologist
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to become an archaeologist. The best way to become an archaeologist is to start by getting a degree in anthropology, history, or a related field. After completing your undergraduate degree, you can then apply to graduate programs in archaeology. Alternatively, many people choose to work as field technicians or lab technicians before applying to graduate school. Whichever route you choose, be sure to get experience working with artifacts and excavating sites. The more experience you have, the better your chances of being accepted into a top graduate program.
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