Applied Archaeology Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Applied Archaeology programme at Indiana University of Pennsylvania provides students with the advanced technical skills and legal knowledge required for professional practice. This curriculum focuses on real-world applications, preparing graduates to manage heritage sites and navigate complex federal regulations.

Students engage in extensive hands-on learning within both laboratory and field settings to master the tools of the trade. The course emphasises discipline-specific expertise in areas such as geoarchaeology, forensics, and historic preservation. This practical approach ensures that graduates are ready to step directly into leadership roles within the sector.

Each cohort benefits from a curriculum that meets the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards.

Why Applied Archaeology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania?

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is recognised as a premier institution for training cultural resource management archaeologists. It was the first academic programme in the United States to be formally recognised by the American Cultural Resources Association for its excellence in professional preparation.

The university provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Archaeology Analysis Lab and the Chemical Characterisation Lab. Students can utilise advanced technology such as ground-penetrating radar and portable X-ray fluorescence. These resources allow for sophisticated research into precontact and historical periods.

Distinctive teaching features include the opportunity to work with the Archaeological Services centre on high-profile projects. The programme is supported by a Professional Advisory Board comprising experts from private firms and government agencies. These partnerships ensure the curriculum remains aligned with current industry requirements and standards.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 14598 per year
• National fee: USD 14598 per year
• Local fee: USD 9720 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 36 graduate credits designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in professional archaeology. Modules may include:

• Archaeological History of North America
• Cultural Resource Management
• Technical Report Writing
• Project Management
• Budgeting and Accounting
• National Register Nomination
• Project Proposal Development
• Archaeological Laws and Ethics
• Geoarchaeological Methods
• Faunal Analysis
• Forensics
• Osteological Analysis
• Geophysical Survey Methods
• Spatial Analysis and GIS

Careers with Applied Archaeology

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after by private consulting firms, engineering companies, and environmental organisations. Many alumni secure positions within state and federal agencies, including the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The degree prepares students for diverse roles in heritage tourism and historic preservation.

Common career paths include roles in documentary filmmaking, education outreach, and social impact assessment. Graduates also find success in museum curation, project design, and forensic investigation. With a high placement rate, the programme serves as a direct pipeline into the professional archaeological workforce across the country.