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Azaezel
Student
Adams, Massachusetts
1
Question
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How much time does someone have to spend to get a degree in anthropology and archaeology?
What is the average amount of time one has to spend to get a degree in archaeology and anthropology?
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3 answers
Jane Doe
20
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New York, New York
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Jane’s Answer
Hi, Azaezel! From my understanding, earning an undergraduate degree in anthropology or archaeology typically takes about four years of full-time study. The coursework usually covers a broad range of topics, including cultural anthropology (the study of human cultures and societies), physical or biological anthropology (human evolution and biology), archaeological methods and theory (how archaeologists investigate past human activity), linguistic anthropology (language and communication in cultures), and field methods such as excavation techniques and artifact analysis. Archaeology courses often include lab work and fieldwork components, providing hands-on experience with excavation and data collection. If you choose to pursue graduate studies, a master’s degree generally takes about two years of full-time study and involves more specialized coursework, research methods, and often a thesis or project. A PhD can take 4 to 7 years, focusing heavily on original research and extensive fieldwork. Because program requirements and timelines vary widely, academic advisors can be helpful resources, and reviewing specific institution curriculum and program details online is a good way to get accurate, up-to-date information. Best of luck!
Kristen Tesh
Legal Operations Manager
1
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Raleigh, North Carolina
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Kristen’s Answer
Hi Azaezel,
The answer depends on what you want to do after college. An anthropology degree can open the door for a lot of career paths that may not seem obvious. For example, tech companies and consulting businesses hire anthropologists to understand how people interact with technology, consumer behavior, and organizational culture. NGOs and government agencies value cultural competency for program design and evaluation, grant writing, and community outreach.
The time commitment for degrees in anthropology and archaeology depends on what level you're aiming for. At the undergraduate level, a bachelor's degree typically requires 4 years of full-time study. You can start at a community college to cover the general education credits and transfer to a specialized program to finish your degree.
As others have said, master's degrees usually take another 1-2 years full-time (some programs are specifically designed as 1-year intensive programs, others take 2 years). For a PhD, you can generally expect to add 4-7 years, though this can vary significantly depending on your research focus, dissertation topic, and whether you need extensive fieldwork. If you're working while studying, you should also factor in the course hours your schedule permits.
I recommend researching what programs are available and interesting, and spend some time thinking about where you envision yourself. Don't get too hung up on the latter though, as that can always change. Good luck!
The answer depends on what you want to do after college. An anthropology degree can open the door for a lot of career paths that may not seem obvious. For example, tech companies and consulting businesses hire anthropologists to understand how people interact with technology, consumer behavior, and organizational culture. NGOs and government agencies value cultural competency for program design and evaluation, grant writing, and community outreach.
The time commitment for degrees in anthropology and archaeology depends on what level you're aiming for. At the undergraduate level, a bachelor's degree typically requires 4 years of full-time study. You can start at a community college to cover the general education credits and transfer to a specialized program to finish your degree.
As others have said, master's degrees usually take another 1-2 years full-time (some programs are specifically designed as 1-year intensive programs, others take 2 years). For a PhD, you can generally expect to add 4-7 years, though this can vary significantly depending on your research focus, dissertation topic, and whether you need extensive fieldwork. If you're working while studying, you should also factor in the course hours your schedule permits.
I recommend researching what programs are available and interesting, and spend some time thinking about where you envision yourself. Don't get too hung up on the latter though, as that can always change. Good luck!
Dave Sisler
Graphic Communications Manager Digital Production Specialist & Marketing Consultant
6
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San Francisco, California
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Dave’s Answer
Hi,
Having your schools guidance counselor help in creating a path towards anthropology and archaeology, Can identify the best path and be helpful in planning your career. Love both!
Stay Focused and create the path,
Dave
Having your schools guidance counselor help in creating a path towards anthropology and archaeology, Can identify the best path and be helpful in planning your career. Love both!
Stay Focused and create the path,
Dave