Why Archaeology @ Memorial?

Archaeology at Memorial has a growing international reputation founded on the breadth and quality of faculty research, excellence in teaching and state-of-the-art facilities.

We have unique strengths for student opportunities in historical archaeology, archaeological sciences, and the ancient indigenous past. State-of-the-art laboratories specializing in applied archaeological sciences, archaeobotany, archaeoentomology, archaeological conservation, prehistoric, historical and aboriginal archaeology integrate researchers into community-university research initiatives from Northern Labrador and the Arctic, to French Guiana and from British Columbia to Northwest Europe. As one of the largest Archaeology departments in the country, we train our graduate students to become effective researchers, critical thinkers, and active stewards for our shared archaeological heritage.

The University accepted our first M.A. thesis in Archaeology in 1972 and since then our graduate students have completed over 140 Master's theses. We introduced a doctoral program in 2001.

Today, the Department of Archaeology offers Master's and Ph.D programs in archaeology.

Description of programs

• MA – The MA degree involves coursework, independent research and a written thesis. It can be completed in two years of full-time study.

• PhD – The PhD degree involves coursework, a series of comprehensive exams, a second language exam, written thesis, and an oral defense. The program can be completed in four years of full-time study.

Contact a faculty supervisor

Graduate applicants are strongly encouraged to connect with a faculty supervisor several months before they submit an application. Visit the Department of Archaeology website for a list of faculty members, their research interests, and contact information. You may also use the Yaffle search application to find a supervisor you may wish to work with.

The School of Graduate Studies offers advice on how to search for and contact potential supervisors. Need more help? Try attending one of our webinars and information sessions for prospective graduate students.

Minimum admission requirements

• MA – Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of study

• PhD – Master’s degree in an appropriate area of study

Potential career options and outcomes

Archaeologist, museum curator, cultural interpreter, conservator, heritage manager, historic building inspector/conservationist museum educator, cultural resource management in government and private sectors, university and college academic positions, Indigenous government archaeologist

Note: All figures are in Canadian dollars and subject to change. Fees are approved by the University’s Board of Regents. In the event of a discrepancy between the fees approved by the Board and those published on this website, the fees approved by the Board will prevail. Financial policies are enforced through the Department of Financial and Administrative Services. For the complete and official list of all fees and charges, visit www.mun.ca/finance/fees/.