Unearthing the past - literally, while digging, examining, and analyzing - is the crux of the archeology profession, which is a subdiscipline of anthropology. Archeologists study human culture through the remains of bones, belongings, homes, and cities. They spend much time at dig sites, carefully peeling back the layers of dirt that time has dropped on the remains of past cultures. Then they study, examine, and analyze whatever they find. Archeology colleges teach students take a critical eye to the evolution of culture over the history of mankind.

Graduates of archeology colleges can go on to work in museums as a curator, work for the state or federal government overseeing construction projects that might disturb a historic site, pursue further education and work as a teacher and researcher for a university, or become a privately-employed archeologist. Those that work for the government or the private sector often work in a discipline known as cultural resources management, which is an overseer of archeological products of sorts.

Students at archeology colleges will study history, anthropology, biology, and other courses to prepare themselves for the multifaceted demands of a job in archeology. Students may also gain hands-on experience working in an archeological field school when archeology school is on break.

The skills learned in courses at archeology colleges teach about the known history of human culture. Students then apply that hands-on in the field at archeology field schools where they assist on archeology digs, which involves surveying, excavating and analyzing artifacts that are found.

Ready to Unearth History?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, archeology will experience average growth of about 15 percent between 2006 and 2016. Someone with a degree in archeology can expect to make a median income of $53,910, according to the BLS. Those who work in government tend to earn more, while those who make their careers in museums earn towards the lower end of the spectrum.

If you want to work in archeology, a degree from archeology college is necessary. For those that want to work for museums, the government or colleges, an advanced degree is a minimum requirement to be considered for archeology jobs. So, if you are interested in this field, get ready to study one of the archeology colleges in the U.S. or abroad. Archeology colleges offer bachelors degrees, masters degrees and Ph.D.s in archeology. Students with an undergraduate degree from an archeology college and related work experience can work in the private sector. Many jobs in archeology require an advanced degree such as a masters degree or Ph.D.

Classes in archeology colleges vary but coursework generally is interdisciplinary with other disciplines like art history, medieval studies and anthropology. In many schools, archeology is a subdiscipline of anthropology. Classes teach historical knowledge, focusing on paleoanthropology, classic civilizations and life in ancient times. Additionally, practical classes convey the skills necessary for hands-on field work and analyzation. Archeologists are trained to locate, examine and safely recover materials from building ruins such as household items. They use technology such as geographic information systems to learn how the environment may have also influenced a society.