Archaeology studies past and contemporary human cultures, across a variety of spatial and temporal scales, through the material left behind. Our objects of study encompass artifacts (e.g. tools and other objects modified or created by humans), features (e.g. architectural remains, hearths, artistic depictions), ecofacts (e.g. plant, animal and human remains, as well as sediments), archaeological sites and their associated landscape settings.

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• Admission requirements
• Your first year
• Sample courses and degree map
• Career opportunities

Archaeology at Memorial

In the Department of Archaeology, our students engage in practical training and experiential learning in classroom, laboratory and fieldwork settings that provide a comprehensive education and transferable skills. We have begun to develop and expand our distance learning options through the development of online courses and remote teaching offerings that allow students from all over the world and different walks of life to join and learn with us and discover different aspects of archaeology. State of the art laboratories specializing in applied archaeological sciences, environmental archaeology, archaeological conservation, and artifact analysis integrate students into community-university research initiatives from Northern Labrador to French Guiana and from Alaska to Northwest Europe.

As one of the largest Archaeology departments in the country, we train our students to become effective researchers, critical thinkers, and active stewards for our shared archaeological heritage.

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Admission requirements

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply by:

You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences by indicating bachelor of arts as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission. Direct entry into the faculty is subject to your meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University.

You may choose Archaeology as your major at the time of application or you can explore your options and declare a major in a later semester by emailing registrar@mun.ca to make your choice official.

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Your first year

Considering a major in archaeology? Have a look at a sample schedule for a first-year student studying five courses per semester.

1. Both LS courses must be in the same language. If your first language is not English and you do not meet the standards for entry into regular first-year English courses you may use English 1020 and 1021 to fulfill this requirement. Such students are permitted to complete up to an additional six credit hours in English CRW courses at the 1000 level in order to fulfill the CRW requirement.

Further assistance

For assistance with course selection, contact the Academic Advising Centre.

For additional program information, visit the Department of Archaeology or contact the undergraduate program director.

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Sample courses and degree map

ARCH 2492 - Forensic Archaeology
ARCH 2495 - Archaeological Frauds and Mysteries
ARCH 3040 - The Human Skeleton

Archaeology degree map

Degree maps are navigational tools, designed to help you make the right choices throughout your bachelor of arts degree. They cover information pertaining to your studies, provide study tips, career guidance, suggestions for involvement, advice on go abroad activities and on your well being.

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Career opportunities

A bachelor of arts degree, with a major in archaeology, prepares students for a variety of careers including:

• cultural resource management
• museums and archives
• heritage administration
• community research
• tourism
• education

Meet one of their graduates.

Note: some of these careers may call for supplementary education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential learning or professional courses and exams.

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