Archaeology in USA

• One official copy of all undergraduate and graduate course work; the baccalaureate transcript should be from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). New Paltz is encouraging of interdisciplinary scholarship and we support applicants with degrees from non-studio areas who are able to demonstrate a strong body of work.
• Two letters of reference from former teachers or other professionals in the field familiar with the candidate’s qualifications who can support the candidate’s ability to do graduate work.
  • A 300-500 word letter of intent that states the candidate’s goals for graduate study.

The Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations (AMC) option balances language study with the opportunity for students to select from a wide range of courses covering many aspects of the Greek and Roman worlds, as well as the neighboring peoples in Europe, North Africa and the Near East. The flexibility of this option makes it especially attractive for students who wish to double major in another subject. It is generally not suitable, however, for those who wish to pursue related graduate study or a career in teaching Latin. AMC majors can, however, supplement the requirements with additional coursework to keep these options open.

The major in archaeology is an interdepartmental program that introduces students to archaeological theory, the analysis of archaeological materials, and the results of archaeological research in prehistoric and early historic periods in the Old and New Worlds. Archaeology studies human societies through examination of their material culture (physical remains), considering such issues as human subsistence, interaction with climate and physical environment, patterns of settlement, political and economic organization, and religious activity and thought. The field allows for the study of the entirety of human experience from its beginnings to the present day, in every region of the world and across all social strata.

The Master of Arts in Applied Archaeology is a professionally-orientated program designed  to provide a solid anthropological archaeology foundation for students and to prepare them for middle- and upper-level careers in the archaeological sector of the cultural resource management (CRM) industry. The program provides training in anthropological archaeology with a focus on developing a solid background in archaeological method and theory combined with practical experience in field and laboratory studies. Students are then trained how to use that background in an applied setting through curriculum focused on CRM regulations and practice, along with on-the-job training through an internship with a federal or state agency, a private firm, or a tribal entity that conducts archaeological investigations in the context of CRM. All students are required to design and execute a research project and successfully complete a thesis based on that project. Students earning their MA through this program will have the background regulatory and practical knowledge to enter the field of CRM or pursue a Ph.D. degree as a competitive candidate with a solid training in anthropological archaeology.

The public archaeology concentration provides the basic knowledge and training necessary for careers in culture resource management, contract archaeology, museums, and to the study of federal, state and local legislation protecting archaeological resources. The concentration relies heavily on cognate courses in geology and geography.

The Archaeology major gives students real hands-on archaeological instruction and experience in both laboratories and the outdoors. Our archaeology field school is usually located in Indiana and research materials in our labs are largely North American. We train students in both theory and method, enabling them to dig and work professionally anywhere in the world after they graduate. Many students who come here to major in Archaeology see Anthropology as an excellent complementary degree.

Archaeology is the study of past human cultures anywhere in the world based on their material remains such as tools, monuments, and ritual objects. Historic archaeologists are interested in past cultures with written documents, while prehistorians study past cultures lacking written documents. Other specializations include Classical archaeology, Biblical archaeology, underwater archaeology, geoarchaeology, zooarchaeology, and industrial archaeology.

The Department of Sociology & Anthropology now has an ANTHROPOLOGY MAJOR. For clarification, the new major is in Anthropology, not Forensic Anthropology. We still have an Anthropology minor as well. Currently, students have the option to select a concentration in either Archaeology, Sociocultural Anthropology, or General Anthropology. We are in the process of creating a fourth option for students interested in Physical/Forensic Anthropology, which includes classes and possible FROST fieldwork. Classes related to forensic anthropology have begun to be offered.

The department of Classics offers major programs in Ancient History, Classical Archaeology, Classical Civilization, Greek, Latin, and Latin-Greek. Emphasis in all courses is on critical thinking and analysis coupled with effective speaking and writing skills. Students who major in Classics regularly pursue careers in business, education, government, law, and other fields that require a broad liberal arts background. A joint major in Classics and Religion is also offered.