Do you enjoy the study of human history? Does the idea of traveling all over the world, digging up artifacts and studying them appeal to you? If so, you might have considered becoming an archaeologist. Despite the way Hollywood's Indiana Jones films may portray archaeologists, however, the actual job is not nearly as glamorous, and many archaeologists never even set foot on an excavation site. However, for those that have a real passion for understanding the evolution of human history, archaeology can be one of the most rewarding careers. This page will provide you with information and tips on how to become an archaeologist.

Archaeologists study the physical remains and artifacts left behind by humans throughout history. They go to excavation sites and spend months, or even years, digging up these artifacts and mapping, surveying and recording all the information they find. They clean and restore these objects, analyzing and then displaying them in an attempt to reconstruct the past. The overall goal is to link the past and present, revealing human culture and the way people once lived.

There are many types of archaeological jobs available, but the three main areas are as follows:

1. Field Technicians operate in the field at an entry level and do not necessarily need college degrees. This is freelance work and a great way to gain additional experience. The more advanced field technicians are field supervisors and crew chiefs, both of which require college degrees.
2. Principal investigator or a Project archaeologists. Project archaeologists supervise excavations, handle the budget and write various reports. Both are permanent jobs. Managers will oversee the above positions and must have a masters degree in archaeology or anthropology.
3. Academic archaeologists. This includes teaching at the college level.

A great place to start if you are interested in becoming an archaeologist is to learn all you can about the field. You can:

1. Read books on archaeology
2. Get information online
3. Talk to people who are in the field

Like most career paths, experience is essential. The more hands on knowledge you can gain, the more appealing you will be to potential employers. You can:

1. Volunteer to go on digs
2. Shadow a local archaeologist
3. Audit archaeology classes
4. Intern for an archaeologist

There are various archaeological fields for you to choose from, and the sooner you decide what area or areas you want to become involved in, the quicker you can narrow down the path that gets you there. There are thousands of options for the aspiring archaeologist, usually determined by geographic area or time period, but here are some specific fields you may be interested in:

1. Biblical archaeology
2. Egyptian archaeology
3. Nautical archaeology
4. Zoo archaeology
5. Forensic archaeology
6. Environmental archaeology
7. Landscape archaeology

Most archaeologists will need a degree, all dependent on what type of job they choose to pursue in the field. Although entry level field positions do not require a college degree, you will need one in order to move up the ladder. Entry field positions are a great way to gain experience and entry level knowledge to what an archaeologist does, but then you will want to seek a higher education. A degree at the undergraduate level will probably involve majoring in anthropology. Most archaeology programs at the undergrad level are part of the School of Anthropology and are not as specified. At the graduate level you can major in either archaeology or anthropology. You will need to first determine what the educational requirements are for the field of archaeology you wish to pursue and the type of job you want to obtain.

Classes that are generally good for aspiring archaeologists to take include:

1. Linguistics classes
2. History classes

Archaeology can be a fun and rewarding career for those willing to put forth the hard work and effort. As long as you realize that it is not all about fun and adventure, but will also require a great deal of academic prowess, then you are well on your way to a successful career in archaeology.