Archaeology Major


Study archaeology to work in academia or business.

You'll learn the theory, methods, and applications of archaeology. You'll study the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, which will prepare you to work in museums, universities, government agencies or the private sector. You may find employment as an educator, analyst, administrator or consultant.

Why study Archaeology at the College of Charleston?

Study in Charleston, one of the nation's oldest cities. It's home to Native American, colonial, plantation, and war-era societies. With so much history, you'll have ample opportunity to conduct research and fieldwork near campus. Our faculty have both local and international connections and can help you arrange a research internship abroad.

What will I learn? 

You'll learn how to study and take care of the material remains of our past. In this program, you'll learn how to integrate data from a variety of sources, including:

  • historical records.
  • artifacts.
  • the soil itself. 

You'll use this data to discover what happened hundreds  or even thousands  of  years ago. 

View Curriculum 

Program Highlights


You'll gain a strong foundation in both theory and application. This program is interdisciplinary, which means you'll take courses in a number of topics in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. You'll also study data and mathematics and computation.
  • Hands-on learning

    All students are required to take part in a field school or internship, and many work with faculty on archaeological research through assistantships and formal classwork. Others seek internships with local museums, state/national parks, and nonprofit organizations.

    Internship Opportunities 

    The Lowcountry is extremely rich with archaeological and cultural resources, and there are many opportunities for internships. Archaeology facilitates student internships with private practice, municipal/state/federal agencies, and non-profit groups.

    Fieldwork

    As an archaeology student, fieldwork or a similarly structured internship is a requirement. You will take part in an archaeological project or take part in actively studying archaeological material through other experiential learning opportunities.

    Study Abroad 

    Archaeology is a worldwide discipline, and you can take advantage of fieldwork and study opportunities all over the world. Former students have studied in Athens and the Netherlands. Others have completed fieldwork across the world. 

    • Italy
    • Portugal
    • Greece
    • Israel
    • Belize
    • Ireland
    • Hungary
    • More!
  • Faculty Expertise

    We feature faculty that engage in research in the Lowcountry and across the world. Their expertise includes:

    • Egyptology.
    • Greek and Roman civilizations.
    • Byzantine and Medieval periods of the eastern Mediterranean and Iberian Peninsula.
    • Paleolithic Europe.
    • the Caribbean.
    • historic and prehistoric archaeology of the American Southeast. 

    Faculty are also proficient in:

    • geoarchaeology.
    • archaeological computing.
    • the African diaspora.
    • urban, environmental and landscape archaeologies.
  • Location

    The Lowcountry is one of the most archaeologically dynamic spaces on the continent. It holds a rich and significant history that stretches from indigenous societies to some of the most formative (and traumatic) socio-economic systems for our country. All of that history has left a mark. The city and surrounding landscape serve as an unparalleled living laboratory for archaeology.

Careers & Outcomes


The College of Charleston not only prepares you for your first job, but also for long-term success. The curriculum parallels the federal requirements for “archaeologist.” Archaeology majors can work as an archaeologist in federal, state, or local agencies and the private sector. Alumni work in government agencies, non-profits, and private archaeology firms. They pursue graduate studies at top-tier graduate programs.

About the Minor


A minor in archaeology complements many majors. 

  • Anthropology
  • Physics
  • Art and art history
  • Classics
  • Environmental sciences
  • History
  • Religious studies
  • Many more

Archaeology offers a unique perspective on human history and culutre. It can help you understand where, when, and how people lived. You'll also improve your research, writing, and computational skills. 

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