Studying archaeology in the USA will allow you to explore the past, understand the present, and potentially shape the future. You will learn how to interpret data, connect different pieces of evidence, and draw conclusions based on limited information. The course will cover different learning processes such as archaeological methods, cultural heritage management, artifact analysis, and fieldwork techniques. Additionally, you will engage in hands-on excavations and laboratory work, which will enable you to gain practical skills essential for archaeological research.

In this piece, I will walk you through the requirements and qualifications that are needed for studying archaeology in the USA.

Requirements for Studying Archaeology in the USA

  1. Complete your Secondary Education

    You must have completed your secondary education before you can study archaeology in the USA. Additionally, you must have a high school diploma and completed your education to Grade 12 before you can study archaeology in the USA.

  2. Transcripts and GPA

    You must provide official transcripts from your high school. This transcript should include grades from all classes taken. Additionally, you should submit your transcript in English.

  3. Standardized Test Scores

    Most universities in the USA require students to take either the SAT or ACT exam when applying for a bachelor’s in archaeology in the USA. These exams are used by universities to determine a student’s eligibility for admission. However, this may not be compulsory in all universities. But it can boost your application.

  4. English language proficiency

    You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. The minimum score for the IELTS is 7.0 with no sub-band lower than 6.5. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL iBT is 80 to 100.

  5. Letters of Recommendation

    You must submit at least two to three recommendation letters while making your application. Some universities may require one or more letters of recommendation from professionals such as teachers, guidance counsellors, or other individuals who can attest to your academic ability and potential. Therefore, you should not use a recommendation letter from a friend or family.

  6. Personal Statement

    Some universities might require you to write a personal statement. This personal statement or essay will explain why you want to study archaeology and how your academic and personal background has prepared you for this field of study. Additionally, each school will have a required number of words that you should write in your essay. Therefore, you need to verify from the school’s website before you apply.

Requirements to Obtain a Masters Degree in Archaeology in the USA

  1. Bachelor’s Degree

    You must have a bachelor’s degree in archaeology or a related field from an accredited institution. Additionally, some universities may also accept applicants with degrees in other fields.

  2. Transcripts

    You must submit official academic transcripts of your bachelor’s degree. This transcript must contain all your courses and grades that you have studied. Additionally, this transcript must be an official one and it must be written in English. Furthermore, most universities require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, but the requirements may vary depending on the specific university and program.

  3. Standardized Test Scores

    As part of their application, some universities may ask applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This test is used by universities to determine a student’s eligibility for admission and to assess a student’s readiness for graduate-level study. Therefore, your score must be 300-310 or higher to qualify you to study archaeology in the USA.

  4. Letters of Recommendation

    You need to have at least three recommendation letters. It should consist of 2 academic and 1 professional letter. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, you should not use a recommendation letter from a friend or family.

  5. Statement of Purpose

    You must submit a statement of purpose or essay outlining why you want to pursue graduate studies in archaeology. Additionally, you should explain what your career aspirations are, and how your academic and personal history has prepared them for this field of study.

  6. English Language Proficiency

    You need to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. You can use tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score for the IELTS is 6.0 while the minimum score for TOEFL is 80.

  7. CV/Resume

    You need to submit an updated resume or curriculum vitae showcasing your work experience. Additionally, you can add your professional certifications if you have any.

How to Apply

You can apply to the school of your choice through the school’s website. Most schools in the US will require you to pay for an application fee before submitting your application. The application fee varies between 50 -100USD. You can apply for an undergraduate program as well as a postgraduate program. Additionally, you need to verify each school’s requirements before filling out the application form.

Duration

The duration for studying archaeology in the USA varies based on the type of program and the University. A bachelor’s degree in archaeology lasts for four years. However, a master’s degree lasts for two years.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for studying archaeology varies for international students as well as the particular university. International students pay higher tuition fees in the USA. Generally, the average amount for an undergraduate degree ranges from $10,000 to $35,000 annually. Additionally, the average amount for a master’s degree ranges from $14,000 to $40,000.

Universities in the USA that offer Archaeology

  1. University of California – Berkeley, California
  2. Harvard University, Massachusetts
  3. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
  4. Stanford University, California
  5. University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
  6. Cornell University, New York
  7. Columbia University, New York
  8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
  9. University of California – Los Angeles, California
  10. University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign, Illinois
  11. University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
  12. Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
  13. University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minnesota
  14. Yale University, Connecticut
  15. University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
  16. Ohio State University, Ohio
  17. University of California – Davis, California
  18. Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
  19. University of Florida, Florida
  20. University of Chicago, Illinois
  21. University of Texas at Austin, Texas
  22. New York University, New York
  23. University of California – San Diego, California
  24. University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland
  25. University of Arizona, Arizona
  26. Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
  27. Michigan State University, Michigan
  28. Princeton University, New Jersey
  29. University of Southern California, California
  30. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  31. Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas
  32. Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania
  33. Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Jersey
  34. Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia
  35. Duke University, North Carolina
  36. University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  37. Boston University, Massachusetts
  38. Iowa State University, Iowa
  39. University of California – Irvine, California
  40. University of Virginia, Virginia

In Conclusion, you should also know that these universities mentioned can have their unique admission requirements for each year. Therefore, before you make an application to any of them, you need to make sure that you visit the school’s website and verify the entry requirements. Additionally, you should also be aware of the application deadline and endeavour to submit your applications before the deadline. You can contact us for further inquiries and assistance.

Good luck!

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