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Bachelor of Arts - Archaeology

• B.A. Four-year
• B.A. Three-year
• B.A. Honours
• B.A. Double Honours

Bachelor of Science - Archaeology

• B.Sc. Four-year
• B.Sc. Honours
• B.Sc. Double Honours

Archaeology is the study of the artifacts and other material remains of past human societies. The archaeology program focusses on past cultures in two world regions: the North American Plains and the Near East and adjacent Mediterranean regions. Explore the lifestyles of people long ago. Unravel the mysteries behind past societies and civilizations. Study the past and explore possibilities for future research. Participate in the excavation of archaeological sites both at home and abroad.  

Whether it is pondering the purpose of an ancient Egyptian temple, investigating the mystery behind a 5,000-year-old burial or unraveling the stories surrounding an abandoned homestead, archaeologists employ a wide variety of techniques to answer questions concerning the past.

Osteological analysis, geological interpretations, biological adaptations or sociological explanations – you name it, archaeologists use it!

• The Department of Archaeology is equipped with its own classrooms, study and computer labs, student lounge and library with a large and diverse collection specifically for teaching.
• Our professors are located just around the corner from the classrooms.

• ARCH 251: Introduction to Archaeological Interpretation
  How do archaeologists reconstruct the lives of past peoples from the material remains they left behind? This course introduces the student to the methods, techniques and theoretical models used by archaeologists as they answer questions about our human past and the emergence of modern societies.
• ARCH 353: Plains Archaeology
  A survey of the prehistory of the Plains region of North America with emphasis on the recognition and examination of archaeological problems.
• ARCH 472: Palaeopathology
  The diagnosis and interpretation of disease in antiquity and the overall health status of earlier human populations. Although skeletal pathology will be emphasized, analysis of mummified tissues and ancient DNA will be included.

• Education, as teachers, professors and researchers
• Museum and archives curator
• Archaeological surveyor
• Lab or Field Technician
• Government sector, working for departments such as parks, highways, land management and cultural resources
• Non-government and business sector, working for a range of private companies focussed on, for example:  excavation, heritage conservation, environmental site assessments, counselling and urban planning
• Communications

• Adaptability/Flexibility
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
• Communication skills: written and oral
• Conducting field research
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Decision-making skills
• Honesty, integrity, and ethical standards
• Interpreting research findings
• Laboratory skills
• Organizational/Planning skills
• Research skills and methods
• Teamwork/Interpersonal skills
• Technical skills