What is the academic route to study Archaeology?

Question

I am really fascinated by ancient civilizations and cultures. But I do not know what subjects do one has to take up to study Archaeology (like what subjects in A Levels or High School)?

Answer 1

It is very difficult to answer with very little information. Archaeology is a very vast transversal field. It can be decomposed by techniques, by periods or by the targeted cultures. So the first question you need to ask yourself is whether you want to be an archaeologist (expertise in techniques) or a specialist of a period or culture (egyptologist for instance).

In the first case, scientific majors in high school is probably better than others, but this is not very important after all. However, be advise that excavation techniques are related to "dirt on the hands" techniques, but also to some top notch scientific techniques (specially for the analysis, where you may need knowledge of stats, paleontology, zoology, botany, chemistry, etc.).

In the second case, I would advise to start quickly to acquire a strong background in art history and ancient languages (starting with greek and latin). I will be easier to learn linguistic and semiology afterwards. I guess that both art history and ancient languages can be learned at the high school level in most countries.

At the university, students usually progress concurrently in archaeology techniques and culture specialization.

Answer 2

At least at American universities, there are very few majors that require specific preparation beyond the "standard" high school diploma program. That would generally mean something like: four years of English, three years of math and science, two or three years of social sciences, and other courses as needed to round out the curriculum.

Schools in other countries may (and generally do) have different requirements. So you'll need to look up the specifics of the departments and programs you're interested in to find out what courses you'll want to take.

Answer 3

Anything skill can be used in archeology from comp sci to law to anthropology to zoology. Cross boundary is good. Pick something you like (mobile phones and CS from your bio?) and tie it in. If I wanted to work in archeology I would use my CS and Kinect hacking skills to make 3D models of sites, for example.

Answer 4

You may be potentially interested in anthropology programs. Although anthropology can be a very diverse field, all I am familiar with (not many FWIW) have a devoted concentration for archaeology related studies/methodology.