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.