The College of New Jersey

What you'll study

Students typically cover core themes rather than a single fixed module list. Expect coursework in archaeological theory and methods; stratigraphy and site formation processes; material culture analysis (ceramics, lithics, and other artifact classes); basic laboratory techniques and cataloguing; archaeological field methods and survey; and an introduction to cultural heritage and ethics. Instruction combines lectures, hands-on lab sessions, and opportunities for supervised fieldwork or practicum experiences when available.

Entry requirements

Admission to the minor is open to enrolled undergraduate students and normally requires consultation with the Anthropology department or a faculty advisor to confirm how the minor integrates with the student’s degree plan. Students should review department guidance on prerequisites for lab or field courses, maintain satisfactory academic progress in required coursework, and follow the college’s procedures for declaring a minor.

Career prospects

An Archaeology Minor complements many career pathways. Graduates enhance their suitability for jobs and internships in cultural resource management, museums, historic preservation, education, heritage interpretation, and public archaeology. The minor also strengthens applications for graduate study in archaeology, anthropology, museum studies, and related research fields, and adds analytical, documentation, and project-management skills valued in government, non-profit, and private sectors.

Scholarships & funding angle

Funding for archaeology-related study commonly comes from department-level awards, undergraduate research grants, and college-wide scholarships. Students should inquire about research or travel grants for fieldwork, work-study positions in labs or museums, and external scholarships from professional archaeological and heritage organizations. Planning ahead and discussing funding options with faculty advisors increases chances of securing support for field schools, conference travel, or project-based research.