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Study Archaeology

Explore human behavior and culture from ancient to modern times through hands-on experience working with excavations and material culture.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts

Major, Minor

124

4 Years

Salem Campus

Two students on an archeological dig.

Our Archaeology Major & Minor

Fly drones over archaeological sites. Use ground-penetrating radar to determine the location of historic landmarks. Probe excavation sites to help preserve North American and European artifacts. Our archaeology program uncovers clues to the past through real-world experiences.

Why choose Archaeology at Willamette?

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Alumni Stories

From excavation sites to ground-breaking finds, our alumni have made an impact. Some have even been featured in National Geographic. Our liberal arts education equips students with a diverse set of skills applicable to various industries and job titles.

  • Ella Ashford

    NOAA Ocean Conservation Scholar
    Ella Ashford, awarded NOAA's prestigious scholarship, prepares for a career in ocean conservation research. She is leveraging Willamette's support and prior real-world research experiences to apply technology to surveying and conservation.

    Person in a beanie and red jacket smiling on a boat with coastline in the background.
  • Two people at an archaeological site, smiling while holding a stone artifact.

    Jo Heupel '14

    Willamette grad travels to work on excavating Neolithic site
    Jo Heupel '14, featured in National Geographic's "Before Stonehenge," spent four weeks with international archaeologists excavating the Neolithic Ness of Brodgar site in the Orkney Islands.

Curriculum

Utilize geographic information systems to map, analyze, and interpret data. Learn ancient languages, as well as standard excavation and recording techniques to turn discoveries into conclusions. Requirements include core courses, statistics, and field experience, while electives embrace different topical interests.

  • ARCH 337 Archaeological Theories and Methods

    Explore the theoretical and technical foundations that drive archaeological research. Unearth, analyze, and interpret material culture to reveal insights into past human activities and social practices.

  • ANTH 351 Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights, and the Environment

    Explore the environmental and human rights issues facing indigenous peoples worldwide through a cross-cultural and field-based lens. Examine strategies used by indigenous groups to address these challenges through real-world case studies from various global regions.

Program Requirements
Our Archaeology major requires 48 semester hours to complete the degree. Core courses make up 20 semester hours. Students pursuing an Archaeology Minor will need to complete 24 semester hours.
Person's hands examining pottery shards in a sand-filled plastic container.
Financial Aid

All admitted Archaeology undergraduate students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships starting at $26,000 per year. Through generous financial aid opportunities, students can make a Willamette University education affordable.

Two people in a grassy cemetery using a ground-penetrating radar device.
Scholarships

Willamette University offers plenty of exclusive competitive scholarship opportunities on top of a generous financial aid package. Students can be awarded merit scholarships, competitive scholarships, and even scholarships for current students.

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FAQs

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Archaeology