Archaeology
MA in Archaeology
The MA program is designed for those who (1) are undecided about committing themselves initially to a PhD program, (2) intend ultimately to specialize in another discipline but wish to obtain a degree in archaeology as part of their overall education, or (3) wish to obtain training in certain specialized areas of study offered here. Other postbaccalaureate students would normally apply to the 16-course PhD program and earn the MA, if they wish, in the course of working toward the higher degree.
Prerequisites
Applicants must already have earned a Bachelor of Arts or Science in a program related to archaeology. Students lacking sufficient archaeological preparation must make up the deficiency by taking courses as determined by the program’s Graduate Studies Committee, in addition to those required for the program.
Competence in at least one modern foreign language appropriate to the proposed course of study is required.
Course Requirements
A minimum of eight semester courses is required, including GRS AR 701, 702, 705, 706, and 780, and three courses in an area of topical concentration. Students must also demonstrate command of the material covered by CAS AR 503 or take the course.
Language Requirements
Reading proficiency in one modern foreign language, as approved by the Graduate Studies Committee, is required. Students in classical archaeology are required to include Latin or ancient Greek as well.
Examinations
Two written examinations on the student’s area of topical concentration are required. In addition, the student is required to submit a thesis.
MA in Archaeological Heritage Management
The MA in Archaeological Heritage Management is designed for those who plan to pursue a career in public archaeology. The program offers a balance between the academic study of archaeology and practical training in the identification, evaluation, and management of archaeological resources. The program includes a required practicum, internship, or other apprenticeship designed to provide the requisite experience. More information may be obtained from Professor Ricardo J. Elia, Department of Archaeology.
Prerequisites
See MA prerequisites above.
Course Requirements
A minimum of eight semester courses is required, including GRS AR 780, and AR 910/911; either AR 805 or AR 810; at least one of the following courses (AR 504, 580, AR 815, AR 913/914); and four other courses relevant to the program of study. In addition to the required eight courses, students must demonstrate a command of the skills and material covered in CAS AR 503, or take the course.
Foreign Language Requirement
Reading proficiency in one modern foreign language is required.
Examinations
Two written examinations are required: one on general topics in archaeological heritage management; the other on a specific region or topic within the field. In addition, the student is required to submit a thesis, special research paper, or a cultural resources management report, as approved by the student’s advisor.
Guidelines for Internal Transfer into the MA Heritage Program
Graduate students in the Archaeology Department who wish to switch from their current program into the Archaeological Heritage Management MA Program must obtain the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee.
MA in Geoarchaeology
The Geoarchaeology program is aimed at providing a broad background in both the geosciences and archaeology. Such a broad-based program provides flexibility to students coming from a variety of different backgrounds such as geology or other natural sciences, anthropology, or archaeology, but who are equally interested in associating geological techniques and methods with archaeological and geological data. More information may be obtained from Professor Paul Goldberg, Department of Archaeology.
Admission
The student is expected to have completed a bachelor’s degree, in earth sciences or archaeology (or closely related fields), prior to admission to the department. Students lacking sufficient preparation in either archaeology or earth sciences will be required to take courses, as determined by the faculty advisors, to make up the deficiency. On occasion these may be beyond the minimum specified by the Graduate School.
Prerequisites
See MA prerequisites above.
Courses
A minimum of eight graduate-level courses (32 credits) is required, including CAS AR 509, GRS AR 701, and two of the following: CAS ES 514, ES 533, ES 534, ES 541, ES 573, or GRS ES 830 or other courses pending approval of the Geoarchaeology advisory committee. The remaining courses must include at least two courses from each department chosen in consultation with the advisors.
Foreign Language Requirement
There is no formal language requirement. Students should consult with their advisors to determine appropriate language competency for their individual program.
Examinations
Students will be evaluated at the end of the first year through a comprehensive exam.
Guidelines for Intra-Departmental Transfers into the MA Geoarchaeology Program
Graduate students in the Archaeology Department who wish to switch from their current program into the Geoarchaeology MA Program must obtain the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee.
PhD in Archaeology
The PhD in Archaeology is offered at both the postbaccalaureate (16-course) and post-master’s (8-course) levels. Specializations are offered either in the archaeology of a specific area or time period, or in a broader subject, such as paleoenvironmental studies or the archaeology of complex societies. Area studies emphasized include Old World prehistory, and New and Old World historical archaeology, the classical world, Egypt, and the Near East.
Admission
Applicants must have a BA or MA, preferably from a program related to archaeology (such as anthropology or classical studies, with a concentration in archaeology). Students lacking sufficient preparation in archaeology will make up the deficiency by taking courses as determined by the Graduate Studies Committee in addition to those required in the program.
Courses
For the postbaccalaureate PhD, a minimum of 16 courses is required, including GRS AR 701, 702, 705, 706, and 780. Each student, in consultation with faculty advisors, will also develop a program of study that includes a field of specialization. Those with no background in anthropology must take at least two courses in sociocultural anthropology within the first two years. Students must also demonstrate a command of the material covered in CAS AR 503 or take the course.
For the post-master’s degree, a minimum of eight semester courses is required. The specific course requirements will be established by the Graduate Studies Committee after reviewing the student’s background and determining what deficiencies, if any, are to be made up; a coherent program of study within the concentration chosen will be outlined at that time.
Language Requirements
Two modern foreign languages, as approved by the Graduate Studies Committee, are required.
Concentrators in Old World historical archaeology must also demonstrate, by written examination, knowledge of an appropriate ancient language. The level of language proficiency required is that normally attained by one graduate-level reading course.
Examinations
Upon completion of coursework, each student will take a set of Qualifying Examinations, with written and oral components, that focus on the individual specialization developed by the student in conjunction with his or her advisor during the program of formal study. Before the end of the second semester following the examinations just described, students present their dissertation proposals to the faculty and other graduate students in the program.
Dissertation and Oral Examinations
The student prepares a scholarly dissertation of original research. When presented, this is the subject of an oral examination conducted by at least five faculty members.
