Anthropology - Archaeology
The Anthropology: Archaeology Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human history, past societies, and material culture through archaeological study. The curriculum integrates archaeological theory, field methods, cultural anthropology, artifact analysis, and research methodology, enabling students to investigate past civilizations, interpret archaeological evidence, and understand human development over time. Students engage in excavation projects, laboratory analysis, and independent research, developing analytical and practical skills necessary for reconstructing historical and cultural contexts.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, fieldwork, and collaborative research guided by faculty with expertise in archaeology, anthropology, and history. The program emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, allowing graduates to connect archaeological findings with broader social, cultural, and historical questions. Students leave the program with research proficiency, analytical insight, fieldwork experience, and critical reasoning, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in archaeology, anthropology, heritage management, or museum studies.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Anthropology - Archaeology
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Archaeology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Archaeology
- Introduction to Archaeology and Anthropology
- Human Prehistory and Cultural Evolution
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Fundamentals of Material Culture and Artifacts
Year 2 – Intermediate Archaeological Studies
- Field Methods and Excavation Techniques
- Historical Archaeology and Site Analysis
- Laboratory Methods in Archaeology
- Electives: Bioarchaeology, Geospatial Analysis, or Cultural Heritage
Year 3 – Advanced Archaeological Research
- Archaeological Theory and Interpretation
- Artifact Analysis and Conservation
- Applied Field Research and Documentation
- Electives: Environmental Archaeology, Ethnoarchaeology, or Museum Studies
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Archaeological Issues
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Field-Based Archaeological Project
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Archaeology program are prepared for careers in heritage management, museum curation, cultural resource management, research institutions, field archaeology, and public education. Alumni may work as archaeologists, researchers, cultural heritage specialists, museum curators, or pursue graduate studies in archaeology, anthropology, or related disciplines. The program equips graduates to conduct fieldwork, analyze material culture, and interpret historical contexts using rigorous research methods. With strong analytical, research, and practical skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments that focus on preserving, interpreting, and understanding human history.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of archaeological methods, cultural analysis, field research, and applied interpretation within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, hands-on excavation opportunities, and projects that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary analysis, and problem-solving, preparing graduates to investigate past human societies, manage heritage projects, and contribute to research and cultural preservation. For students passionate about uncovering human history, exploring past civilizations, and applying rigorous research methods, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
