Archaeology

What can I do with a major in Archaeology?

Archaeology is the study of past human cultures and societies through the analysis of material remains. It is the interpretation of these artifacts that help us understand our past, allowing us to learn more about ourselves today. Archaeology students will learn various aspects of archaeological interpretation and have the opportunity to put them into practice in the field and in the laboratory. Students will combine theoretical and methodological approaches from both disciplines.

This is a separate degree from the combined BSc of Archaeology & Geography and allows students to focus more on Archaeology itself and other related disciplines such as; history, anthropology, religious studies, and Indigenous studies. Students will engage with coursework as well as be expected to complete a field school, where they will learn archaeology in a hands-on approach in the field.

Students interested in Anthropology can complete:

  • Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology)
  • Bachelor of Arts and Science (Archaeology)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology)/Bachelor of Education (BEd)
  • Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology)/Bachelor of Management (BMgt)

The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.  

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Ability to Summarize Research Findings
  • Acute Awareness & Observation
  • Analytical Reading
  • Careful Record-Keeping
  • Professional and academic writing proficiency
  • Engage with a team to achieve group goals effectively
  • Historical research techniques
  • Qualitative and quantitative research techniques
  • Analysis of ceramic, lithic, faunal, etc. artifacts
  • Manual surveying of sites in transects
  • Evaluating risks to person health and safety and responding appropriately
  • Artifact illustration of ceramic, metal, faunal etc. artifacts
  • Excavating 1x1, 2x1. and 2x2 excavation units
  • Mitigating safety risks working outdoors including weather and wildlife risks
  • Ability to use archaeological technologies such as ArcGIS, total station, lidar, etc.
  • Mapping and drawing records of sites and loci within sites

Work Environment

The Archaeology program provides a strong and diverse background for further study at the graduate level, while also providing training for employment. Graduates of this program work in a wide range of industries such as consulting firms, environmental/engineering companies, firms specializing in archaeological investigation, nature centers, natural history or history museums, historical sites/homes, art galleries, libraries, historical societies, research/education institutions, records administration corporations, non-profit organizations, social services agencies, cultural heritage organizations or freelance/self-employed.

Archaeology graduates are employed in a variety of positions including positions in archaeological assessment, consulting, historic or cultural resource management, field archaeology or parks and national historic sites. Graduates may also be employed as conservators, exhibit directors, museum curators, museum technicians, or interpreters.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Prehistoric Archaeology
  • Historic Archaeology
  • Forensic Archaeology
  • Canadian History
  • Classical Antiquity
  • Osteoarchaeology
  • Bioarchaeology
  • Field Anthropology

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Archaeology & Environmental Science Coordinator
  • Archaeology & Tourism Specialist
  • Archaeology Fieldworker
  • Archives Assistant
  • Cultural Resource Technician
  • Curatorial Assistant
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Exhibit Assistant
  • Heritage Presenter
  • Historical Interpreter
  • Host/Hostess at Museum
  • Junior Field& Archaeological Technician
  • Museum Research Technician
  • Park Interpreter
  • Program Coordinator/Assistant
  • Research Assistant
  • Survey Interviewer
  • Volunteer Coordinator

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Archaeobotanist
  • Archaeological Field Technician
  • Archaeological Illustrator
  • Archaeological Lab Technician
  • Archaeological Project Manager/Field Director
  • Archaeological Site Manager
  • Archaeological Surveyor
  • Archaeologist
  • Archaeozoologist
  • Archival Clerk/Manager/ Director
  • Archivist
  • Artifact Conservator
  • Collections Registrar
  • Conservator
  • Contract Archaeologist
  • Cultural Resources Specialist
  • Curator
  • Forensic Archaeologist
  • Forest Program Outdoor Educator
  • Heritage Consultant
  • Heritage Policy Analyst
  • Historian
  • Historical Prevention Officer
  • Historical Site Coordinator
  • Historical Site Interpreter
  • Indigenous Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Indigenous Liaison Officer
  • Interpretive Naturalist
  • Laboratory Manager (Archaeology)
  • Land Surveying –Crew Chief
  • Land Surveyor
  • Museum Collections Manager
  • Museum Curator
  • Museum Director
  • Museum Technician
  • National Historic Sites/ Park Interpreter
  • Natural Resources Specialist
  • Paleontologist
  • Park Ranger
  • Policy Advisor
  • Project Manager, Geomatics Section
  • Public Archaeologist
  • Public Education and Outreach Coordinator
  • Public Utility Specialist
  • Regional Archaeologist
  • Research Archaeologist
  • Research Assistant
  • Site Conservator
  • Soils Specialist
  • These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
  • Tourism Developer
  • Underwater Archaeologist

On average people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings

  • Aboriginal Affairs -Traditional Studies Specialist
  • Aboriginal Engagement Manager
  • Alternative Energy Technologist
  • Building Inspector
  • Business Development Manager
  • Captioner and Court Reporter
  • Career Development Professional
  • Civil Litigator
  • Collections Manager
  • Communication Specialist
  • Community Planner
  • Computer Programmer
  • Data Miner
  • Economist
  • Education Counsellor
  • Enterprise Architect
  • Exhibit Director
  • Fish & Wildlife Officer
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Forester
  • Geneticist
  • Geo-database Product Engineer
  • Gerontological Specialist
  • GIS Sales Specialist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Human Resources Professional
  • Immigration Officer
  • Insurance Claim Adjuster
  • Intelligence Agent
  • Internal Auditor
  • International Business Representative
  • Lawyer
  • Librarian
  • Licensed Surveyor
  • Manager/Owner Surveying Business
  • Merchandising Representative
  • Mining Engineering Technician
  • Paralegal
  • Planner
  • Police Officer
  • Private Investigator
  • Property Manager
  • Public Relation Representative
  • Reporter
  • Researcher
  • Solution Architect –Commercial Officer
  • Solution Software Developer
  • Stakeholder Specialist
  • Statistician
  • Tour Director
  • Travel/Tourism Guide
  • University Professor
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Webmaster
  • Wildlife Manager
  • Writer/Author/Editor

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.