University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Art and Archaeology of the Mediterranean World (AAMW) is an interdisciplinary graduate program at the University of Pennsylvania that explores the art, material culture, and archaeology of the Mediterranean region from antiquity to late antiquity. This program allows students to engage in a comprehensive curriculum that integrates coursework, research training, museum-based learning, and fieldwork opportunities, leveraging Penn’s extensive academic and museum resources.

What you'll study

Programme Structure

The AAMW curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary graduate training that combines various methods, regional expertise, and research development. Students typically engage in a series of seminars and methods courses before advancing to independent research and fulfilling degree requirements.

Indicative course areas include:

• Material & Methods in Mediterranean Archaeology
• Aegean Bronze Age Art Seminar: Minoan, Cycladic, and Mycenaean Architecture
• Topography and Monuments of Ancient Rome
• Digital Archaeology
• Archaeological Field Methods
• Seminar topics in Mediterranean art, material culture, and archaeological interpretation

Research and experiential learning

• Museum internships and research projects connected to Penn’s collections
• Fieldwork opportunities to gain practical archaeological skills
• Ongoing academic advising to support progression toward the MA and PhD

Capstone / thesis

• Students complete advanced research culminating in the MA and PhD dissertation/thesis components, adhering to the Graduate Group’s regulations.

Entry requirements

Career prospects

Graduates of the AAMW program are well-equipped for various career paths, including roles in academia, museums, cultural heritage management, and archaeological consultancy. The interdisciplinary training and research experience gained during the program prepare students for impactful careers in both scholarly and applied settings.