Archaeology Program Overview

The Archaeology program at Cornell University offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of a broad range of cultures, with courses in classical archaeology and art, Near Eastern studies, and the archaeology of Eurasia, the Americas, and Africa. Students gain hands-on experience through lab-based courses in zooarchaeology, ceramics, dendrochronology, and the material cultures of Native Americans and Euro-Americans, and have opportunities for fieldwork both in the U.S. and abroad.

Sample Classes

• Archaeology of North American Indians
• Art and Archaeology in the Ancient Mediterranean World
• Drinking Through the Ages: Intoxicating Beverages in Near Eastern and World History
• Across the Seas: Contacts Between the Americas and the Old World before Columbus

Outcomes

All information is based on the 2022 First-Destination Post-Graduate Survey. Lists are not exhaustive; rather, they are a sampling of the data.

Graduate School

Archaeology students pursue various advanced degrees, such as MS and PhD, with graduate field interests ranging from archaeology to computer science. These individuals have chosen to continue their education at prestigious institutions like Stanford University, the University of Edinburgh, and Texas A&M University.

Employment

The majority of archaeology graduates enter sectors in education, government, biotech, and communications.

Where 2022 Archaeology Graduates Work

• Employer: Cornell University, Job Title: Metadata Assistant
• Employer: Covance, Job Title: Sample Handling Assistant
• Employer: Ernst & Young, Job Title: Consulting Staff
• Employer: Museum of Modern Art, Job Title: Assistant Video Editor
• Employer: Smithsonian Institution, Job Title: Archive Center Intern

Associated Interests

• Ancient History
• Art
• Climate
• Environment and Sustainability
• Exploring the natural world
• Geography
• Language and culture
• Politics
• Religion

Related Disciplines

• Humanities and Arts
• Social Sciences

Program Details

The Cornell Institute of Archaeology and Material Studies (CIAMS) is one of the leading archaeology groupings in the U.S. and offers one of the few majors in archaeology in the country. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of archaeology and its applications, preparing them for careers in education, research, and cultural heritage management.