Dickinson offers one of the only archaeology majors in the country. Students learn the fundamentals of archaeological practice through introductory courses in archaeology and world prehistory, Mediterranean archaeology, and biological anthropology. We offer specialized courses in methods, theory, regional archaeology, and advanced topics in which students learn to conduct research and build interpretations.

The curriculum and student-faculty research are supported by three laboratories: the Keck Archaeology Laboratory, the Keck Anthropological Laboratory and the Dickinson Environmental Archaeology Lab (DEAL). 

Two areas of specialization allow students to pursue electives in Mediterranean archaeology and art (Area A) or anthropological and environmental archaeology with a focus on North and South American archaeology (Area B). We help students gain valuable field experience by participating in summer excavations, laboratory analyses, and museum internships.

Students participate in projects in our labs and at archaeological field projects in the Mediterranean, South America, Europe, and the United States. Students also enjoy guest lectures each semester and field trips to museums and sites in the region. In addition to the major in Archaeology, our department offers a major in Anthropology that many students also choose to complete.