How can i get into archaeology?

Question

Im in highschool and im really interested in archaeology. How can i get into archaeology?- learn more about it etcetc.

Answer 1

Archaeology Magazine posts all sorts of general interest news items every day. They'll give you a sense of what's going on in the discipline, and they're often entertaining:

http://www.archaeology.org/news/

Your city may have an archaeological department, and they welcome volunteers of any age to help them with their (usually enormous) collections of artifacts. Museums and Historical Societies also welcome volunteers.

If not, look for a college with a good archaeology program for undergraduates. Most people don't get into the field until college, so you won't be behind.  The best thing you can do now is to study history; a good background in the time period you're interested in is the best preparation. You might also like the book "In Small Things Forgotten" by James Deetz; it's very accessible, and really gives you a sense of what archaeologists do, and what they can contribute to society at large.

Archaeology is great fun! Best of luck.

Answer 2

no, archeology gets into you. best of luck, there are lots of schools that have these courses.

Answer 3

To be an archaeologist, you'll need four years of college, preferably with an anthropology or related major, and to take field school.  Don't let anyone tell you that there aren't any jobs out there; there are.  Check out archaeologyfieldwork.com and shovelbums.org.  They are the two major job sites for archaeologists.

You're still in high school, so you don't quite need to worry about that, yet.  You can probably find yourself an internship somewhere.  Your state will have a Historic Preservation Office.  That would be one place to look; they oversee the archaeology done in that state.  Cultural resource management firms in your area might also do internships.  They're the private firms you'll spend a lot of time working with if you do become an archaeologist.  You could also check with the state or federal government.  I'm working for the Forestry Service right now, and they have a volunteer program.  My guess is you'll probably have to be 18 to do it, but if there's a national forest by your house, you may be able to hang out with the archaeologists for a day if you're under age.  You could also check with museums and universities in your area.  I highly, highly recommend doing an internship or volunteering before you commit yourself too fully.  Archaeology is hella tedious and awfully hard work.  It's not for everyone, and you'll never get rich doing it.  If it turns out that it's not the fieldwork that you love, you'll know and you'll be able to move into another direction (lab, museum work, that kinda thing).

Also, read.  There are a _lot_ of books out there on archaeology and anthropology, many of which were written for non-scientists.  Take advantage of them.  Take some science classes now, if for nothing else than getting used to the tedium and the metric system.  Geology and history are also good classes to take, and certainly take anthro if your school offers it.  Don't worry too much; it's not that hard of a field to get into.  I hope to see you out there in the field in a few years!

Answer 4

You can do a web search for archeology volunteers. Working a dig or a lab would be a great way to see if you would like the profession. The Forest Service  and BLM have a year round volunteer program