Interdisciplinary Archaeology Program
Interdisciplinary Archaeology Program

Introduction to the Major

How can we understand Neanderthal burial rituals, sacred dance in ancient Greece, or the impact of Spanish colonization on Maya people? Most of human history is unrecorded in the written record — accessible only through the material traces people left behind. Archaeologists recover and interpret those traces, giving voice to people who were otherwise muted or silenced by history.

Using methodologies drawn from the humanities, social sciences and sciences, archaeologists connect past cultures to present realities, work collaboratively with descendant communities and support the active role of cultural heritage in the modern world. At UVA, that work takes students from the hills of Zanzibar to Monticello’s plantation landscape — and to the frontiers of what we think we know about the human story. 

Which Program is Right for Me?

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Archaeology is for students curious about the human past who want to combine humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Core coursework draws from Art History and Anthropology, with opportunities to incorporate Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Environmental Science, History and Statistics.

The Minor in Archaeology pairs well with a range of majors — from Anthropology and Classics to Biology and Environmental Science. 

Amplify Your Major

What Can I Do With My Major

Recent Graduates’ Jobs and Employers 

  • Field Technician, Monticello Archaeology 
  • Analyst, RTI International 
  • Technical Solutions Engineer, Epic 
  • Library Assistant, National Endowment for Democracy 
  • Project Planner, Center for Justice Innovation 
  • Curator, Philadelphia History Museum 
  • Architectural Historian, Coalition of Black Rural Churches 

Recent Graduate Programs 

  • University of North Carolina Wilmington, Education Leadership 
  • University of Virginia, Anthropological Archaeology 
  • Columbia University, Art History 
  • University of California Berkeley, Anthropology 
  • University of Tennessee, Library & Information Science 
  • New York University, Urban Planning, Housing & Economic Development 

“Archaeology’s interdisciplinarity intellectually challenged me in new and exciting ways every semester.”

Henry Hesford, B.A. in Archaeology and Anthropology, Class of 2025

See what our graduates are doing on LinkedIn

Alumni Network See what our graduates are up to on LinkedIn

Life of the Major

B.A. in Archaeology
First Year
  • Advance
    • Choose Engagement Courses that expose you to professors from a range of disciplines. 
    • Begin introductory coursework with Introduction to Anthropological Archaeology and Introduction to Classical Archaeology. 
    • Review Archaeology major and College requirements. 
    • Start exploring your options with your pre-major advisor. 
  • Explore
  • Build
  • Prepare
Second Year
  • Advance
    • Explore 2000 and 3000-level courses in Anthropology and Art History — from the Archaeology of South America and Egypt and Nubia to Greek Art and Zooarchaeology. 
    • Meet with your pre-major advisor to map out your remaining requirements. 
    • Once you have completed your pre-requisites, complete your major declaration form. 
  • Explore
    • Attend a “Choosing a Field School” info session and apply for summer field schools locally, in the US or abroad. 
    • Participate in International Archaeology Day and related events every October. 
    • Visit the International Studies Office to explore study abroad programs that count toward your major. 
    • Connect with faculty about research opportunities and internships on UVA-led projects. 
  • Build
  • Prepare
    • Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss career options and goals, and begin building a resume. 
    • Explore internship opportunities in archaeology and cultural heritage and attend internship fairs. 
    • Connect with alumni in fields that interest you through the Virginia Alumni Mentoring program. 
Third Year
  • Advance
    • Focus on upper-division coursework at the 3000 and 4000-level. 
    • Complete your archaeological field methods requirement if you have not already done so. 
    • Meet with your major advisor to review your degree progress. 
  • Explore
  • Build
    • Seek leadership roles in campus organizations connected to your interests in archaeology, heritage or civic engagement. 
    • Attend events hosted by the Archaeological Institute of America or Society for American Archaeology to connect with professionals in the field. 
    • Build close relationships with your professors — they will write recommendation letters for post-graduate applications. 
  • Prepare
    • Explore post-graduate options with advisors, professors and current graduate students — from cultural resource management and museum careers to graduate school. 
    • Research admissions exams required for your post-graduate path. 
    • Attend a career fair. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. 
Fourth Year
  • Advance
    • Check in with your advisor and complete your remaining major requirements and electives. 
    • Consider taking a 5000-level seminar alongside graduate students. 
    • Complete any “bucket list” courses. 
    • Apply to graduate in the spring. 
  • Explore
    • If pursuing the DMP, carry out and present your original research with a faculty advisor. 
    • Present your research at the university Undergraduate Research Symposium. 
    • Pursue an independent study with a faculty member to explore a topic your coursework has sparked. 
  • Build
  • Prepare