Students can participate in archaeological excavations either by attending an archaeological field school or by having an internship doing archaeology. Many opportunities, both local and foreign, are listed in our Online Resources under Fieldwork & Volunteering. Another good resource is Shovelbums.org. The following list contains only a few possibilities.
Credit can be earned by enrolling in ARCH 397, for which permission is required to register. This course may be taken multiple times, up to a total of 12 credits that can be applied toward graduation. Only six credits may be counted towards completion of the major. Credits may also be received from the institution running the program and transferred to UMBC. For more information and permission to register, contact your faculty advisor.
Students are encouraged to research their desired subject and find the place that best fits their goals. Faculty members can be consulted for suggestions and to help make arrangements for earning credits. Our students have worked in the United States as well as in foreign countries. Those wishing to earn credits internationally should contact the Study Abroad Office.
The following is a sample of the opportunities available in Maryland:
Fridays at the Point – Come join us for a day in the archaeology lab at the Maritime Visitors Center in Fells Point from 1 to 5pm every Friday. No experience is necessary; we will work with you as you learn about what archaeologists do in the lab and how we interpret archaeological finds. Along the way we hope to meet some new friends and share our passion for the past with you.
For more information, contact Esther Read.
The Lost Towns Project, Annapolis, MD
UMCP Field School in Urban Archaeology, Annapolis, MD