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Archaeology Degrees for Military & Veterans

Archaeology Degrees and Careers for Military and Veterans

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill describes Archeology degrees as the "systematic study of the human past through its material remains, by means of the excavation, recovery, and interpretation of artifacts and other associated evidence."

Students learn about the "historical, environmental, and comparative components enable the examination of different culture systems through time and space, as well as the reconstruction of past lifeways and the interpretation of ancient social, political, and economic systems."

A Degree in Archaeology is the perfect field of study for students interested in exploring humankind's past. Archaeology education focuses on studying the human past through its material remains. A comprehensive program in archaeology will equip students with the knowledge and skills for excavating, recovering, and interpreting artifacts and other evidence of human history.

What Can You Do with an Archaeology Degree?

Archaeologists have a wide range of opportunities, from studying the million-year-old fossils of early humans to the not-so-ancient 20th-century buildings in bustling metropolises worldwide.

A degree in archaeology is still in demand today, with so much human history to explore. Archaeologists are employed in a wide variety of fields including:
  • Consulting services: scientific, technical, and management
  • Research and development: social sciences and the humanities
  • Federal government: including museums, educational services, preservation, etc.
  • Engineering firms
  • Self-employed
  • Academia

Is an Archaeology Degree Hard?

A Degree in Archaeology is ideal for students who exhibit characteristics such as:
  • Curiosity - Archaeology is a seemingly endless field of study, with history being made daily. Archaeologists are fortunate to let their innate curiosity guide their careers.
  • Critical thinking skills - Always a key component for success in any career field
  • Hands-on learnerFrom labs to dig sites, one of archaeology's appeals is the ability to learn from active participation.
  • Team player - Yes, most archaeologists will have a specialty, but it is essential to see how all aspects overlap and contribute to the whole.

BIll and Yellow Ribbon Program options to Earn a Degree in Archeology

Below is our list of GI Bill participating schools. Remember to explore your other military financial aid and veteran student financial aid opportunities.

Military spouses who need scholarships and other financial aid can also receive help. Those looking for portable careers should ask about MyCAA options associated with an Archeology degree program.

Associate Degree in Archaeology

Archaeology analyzes the physical remains of ancient and recent human past in pursuit of a broader understanding of human culture. An associate degree in archaeology will introduce students to the two main aspects of archaeology: prehistoric and historical.

Prehistoric archaeology examines sites without a written record. These include ancient villages, stone quarries, rock art, ancient cemeteries, campsites, and stone monuments. A site can be as small and simple as a pile of chipped stone tools left by a prehistoric hunter or as large and mysterious as Stonehenge.

Historical archaeology sites are those where archaeologists can use historical records (writing) to aid their examination. These sites include densely populated modern cities, shipwrecks, battlefields, slave quarters, cemeteries, and centers of industry.

With an Associate Degree in Archaeology, students are prepared for an entry-level job in this career field. They may also choose to continue their studies and pursue a Bachelor’s in Archaeology.

Jobs with an Associate Degree in Archaeology

Bachelor's Degree in Archaeology

With a Bachelor’s in Archaeology students will further explore this field of study while also refining their research and writing skills.

Students are encouraged to choose a particular region of the world or a specific topic to specialize in. Specialization will allow an archaeologist to develop expertise. This is especially relevant for students who are planning to pursue their Master’s in Archaeology. Popular archaeology specializations include:Fields of specialty are especially relevant for students that will continue to graduate studies in pursuit of a Master’s and/or Doctorate in Archaeology.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Archaeology

Master's Degree in Archaeology

Graduate students seeking a master’s in archaeology will refine their research and communication skills including their ability to gather and interpret data. A Master’s in Archaeology is ideal for those seeking postsecondary education and research careers.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Archaeology

Doctorate in Archaeology

With a doctorate (Ph.D.) in archaeology, students will become the ultimate expert in the field. Students earning a Ph.D. in Archaeology are expected to have at least one specialty field within archaeology to perfect their expertise in. Doctoral students are also expected to be skilled in fieldwork, research, and writing for publication.

It is important to note that, especially in the US, archaeology is sometimes found as a major within anthropology.

Jobs with a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Archaeology

Is an Archaeology Degree Worth It?

Use your GI Bill benefits and other educational entitlements (such as Yellow Ribbon benefits, scholarships, and grants) and you can earn a degree toward a spectacular degree and an exciting career.

Don’t forget, that a degree in archaeology isn’t just for aspiring archaeologists. There are a wide variety of related jobs and career fields for those earning a degree in archaeology including:

GI Bill-approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools with Degrees in Archaeology

Ready to start your Degree in Archaeology? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:  

Moorpark College

Offers an Associate in Arts in Archaeology. Moorpark College is a GI Bill® approved school and offers credit for military experience. Moorpark College is a MyCAA-approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

University of Arizona

Offers a Master of Arts in Anthropology-Applied Archaeology. The University of Arizona is a GI Bill® approved school, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. The University of Arizona is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

University of Colorado at Boulder

Offers a Ph.D. and a Master of Arts in Archaeology with specializations in archaeology, and cultural or biological anthropology available. The University of Colorado Boulder has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. The University of Colorado Boulder is a MyCAA-approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg

Offers a Master of Arts in Anthropology with specializations in Archaeology and Bio-archaeology available. The University of Southern Mississippi has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. The University of Southern Mississippi is a Yellow Ribbon school and a MyCAA-approved school.

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.