Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: stevestheory on 27/01/2014 05:59:48

Title: At what age is it to late to become an archeaoligist.
Post by: stevestheory on 27/01/2014 05:59:48

What steps would i need to take to go into this field.How would i begin,and does a college degree be needed.

Title: Re: At what age is it to late to become an archeaoligist.
Post by: CliffordK on 27/01/2014 06:49:52

I'd say that somewhere around 120 years old would be a little late for a career change.

A search on the internet indicates a few archaeological digs requesting volunteers, or a suggestion to contact your local university to see what is available.  It would certainly be a good introduction to the field.

As far as college, application deadlines for Fall 2014 may be coming up very shortly.  You may even be late if you haven't taken the placement exams.  Many students enter college at 18, after HS, but a few enter in their mid twenties, thirties, or even forties.  In many senses an adult may be more directed in their goals, but if you've been out of school for a while, it may be difficult to get back into things.  Math?  Talk to someone in the field at your local college, but also consider a community college for getting back into college.  It may be cheaper than other programs, and perhaps a good introduction for the first year or so.

Anyway, the archaeology digs seem to take anybody, but I would imagine that without a degree, you could be limited to how far you could go.  They may, of course, need people with different skills.  One of the websites I bumped into suggested CAD, for example.

Title: Re: At what age is it to late to become an archeaoligist.
Post by: alancalverd on 27/01/2014 09:37:12

If you are young enough (say under 80) to make use of a degree course with a view to a professional career, check the entrance requirements for a degree in archaeology and anthropology, or consider entering the business via geophysics, geochemistry, or even forensic science, any which would give you a number of alternative employment routes if "arch&anth" didn't open enough doors. If you have a particular interest, say in the Mayas or Cretans, you might find a degree course or at least a few modules in the particular history to be useful. Or just join an archaeological society and learn the field skills - age is no barrier and plenty of amateurs get to publish their findings.