Online Archaeology Degree Program Information

Through a degree program in archaeology, students study the practical and theoretical concepts and methods of archaeology. Online programs in archaeology are rare due to the hands-on training and fieldwork that is often required in these programs. However, there may be a few bachelor-level programs available online.

Online Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology Program Information

Students completing an online bachelor's degree program in archaeology study ancient cultures and civilizations, as well anthropology theories and practices. They become familiar with common archaeological principles and procedures, famous archaeological sites and how information found in these sites is processed.
Typically, students must have at least a high school diploma, or the GED equivalent, in order to be eligible for a bachelor's degree program in this field. An online bachelor's degree in archaeology is often intensive in the humanities and commonly includes courses such as history, sociology and anthropology.

Online Archaeology Program Information and Requirements

Typically, a bachelor's degree program takes about four years to complete online or on-campus. Depending on the program, courses may be available entirely online, be a combination of distance learning formats or be in hybrid format with some classes online and some on-campus.
Students must have a working computer and reliable Internet access in order to be eligible for the program. They may also need computer programs to download and view the pre-recorded lectures. A word processing program is usually necessary in online programs, so students can complete and turn in written assignments.

List of Common Online Archaeology Courses

In most bachelor's degree programs, students must complete general education courses in addition to their archaeology courses and related electives.

World Archaeology Course

Students study the past and the present, examining history and contemporary archaeological history. They examine archaeological sites, discovering landscapes, buildings and literary works related to different cultures and civilizations.

Social Anthropology Course

Through this course, students have the opportunity to study human's origins and examine cultures and societies that make up present-day humanity.

Water Resources Course

Students completing this course study water, including historical and modern water storage techniques. They learn how water was heated, cooled and how it was used, including early forms of irrigation.

Ancient Greek Course

Students examine the culture and civilization of Ancient Greece. They learn where modern-day politics originated and examine the structures, buildings and literature which originated there.

Career Information for Graduates

With a bachelor's degree in archaeology, graduates may find entry-level positions as museum archivists or as social scientists. More advanced careers in archaeology include careers as archaeologists, historians and anthropologists, although these careers typically require a graduate degree.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for positions as museum archivists, archaeologists and anthropologists was expected to grow by about 20 percent, which is much faster than the average career, between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov). The BLS stated that the 2009 median annual salary for museum archivists was $46,470.

Continuing Education Information

Students who want to pursue additional education in anthropology can choose from master's and Ph.D. programs, neither of which are available online. Typically, these programs require hands-on training, internships and fieldwork.