Archaeology

Dickinson offers one of the only archaeology majors in the country. The fundamentals of archaeological practice are learned through introductory courses in archaeology and world prehistory, biological anthropology and earth sciences. We offer specialized courses in methods, theory and advanced topics in which students gain first-hand experience conducting research and interpretation.

The curriculum and student-faculty research are supported by three state-of-the art 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). Students gain valuable field experience by participating in summer excavations, laboratory analyses and museum internships.

Majors participate in the projects of in our labs and at archaeological field projects in the Mediterranean, South America, and Pennsylvania. Students also enjoy guest lectures each semester and field trips to museums in Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C.