Archeology
A program that focuses on the systematic study of extinct societies, and the past of living societies, via the excavation, analysis and interpretation of their artifactual, human, and associated remains. Includes instruction in archeological theory, field methods, dating methods, conservation and museum studies, cultural and physical evolution, and the study of specific selected past cultures.
- Schools offering
- 52
- Annual completions
- 230
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $41k
About this major
A program that focuses on the systematic study of extinct societies, and the past of living societies, via the excavation, analysis and interpretation of their artifactual, human, and associated remains. Includes instruction in archeological theory, field methods, dating methods, conservation and museum studies, cultural and physical evolution, and the study of specific selected past cultures.
Examples of specialized tracks: Archaeometry.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, all other | $137k | +4.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Anthropologists and archeologists | $65k | +3.7% | Master's degree |
| Anthropology and archeology teachers, postsecondary | $96k | +2.7% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$41k
Top colleges for Archeology
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | 0 | 19 | 19 |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, WI | 0 | 16 | 16 |
| University of Evansville | Evansville, IN | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Brigham Young University | Provo, UT | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| SUNY College at Potsdam | Potsdam, NY | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| Bryn Mawr College | Bryn Mawr, PA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| Dickinson College | Carlisle, PA | 0 | 8 | 8 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | 0 | 7 | 7 |
Related majors to explore
Anthropology, General
7,888 completions/yr
Sociology and Anthropology
496 completions/yr
Medical Anthropology
201 completions/yr
Ancient Studies/Civilization
81 completions/yr
Anthropology, Other
59 completions/yr
Cultural Anthropology
22 completions/yr
Physical and Biological Anthropology
20 completions/yr
Forensic Anthropology
12 completions/yr