Archaeologists study artifacts of the near and distant past to develop a picture of how people
lived in earlier cultures and societies. Many in the profession are also involved in the preservation
of archaeological sites. Though a popular conception of the archeologist involves a
khaki-clad individual in an exotic locale, who cleans sand off ancient crockery with a toothbrush,
real-life archaeologists spend as little time as possible in the field. Because fieldwork is
both expensive and destructive to the site, the majority of archaeological study takes place in the
lab. In the lab, archeologists analyze data, write reports, and interpret findings for the public.
An archaeologist’s natural curiosity about the past and
the secrets it holds make the profession a fascinating one.
However, the work can be slow and exacting. It may take
months to examine thousands of tiny, nearly identical chipped stone axes. Some archaeologists
work under the aegis of a major research institution, such as a university or a museum.
Many more people in the field, however, are employed by private-sector companies that assist
the government and private developers in complying with federal laws aimed at protecting
A master’s degree in anthropology and several years of fieldwork—experience as a site or
project supervisor doesn’t hurt—will qualify you for most jobs in the field. Coursework valuable
to a career as an archaeologist includes ancient history, geology, geography, English composition,
and human physiology. Sign up to work on your professors’ archaeological digs during
Only the most distinguished (or fortunate) archaeologists become prominent in the
field, and there are fewer positions available than there are qualified archaeologists to fill
them. One way to draw attention to your work is by publishing articles in academic journals.
Archaeology is often paired with anthropology. While archaeology is the study of cultures
and societies through their material remains, anthropology focuses more on the activities
of people within societies and is often applied to current cultures. The two fields share
much of the same background, however, and the boundary between allows for mutual
exchange. Corporate archaeologists may find work writing environmental impact statements.