Archaeology Minor

Why Study Archaeology?

The Archaeology minor combines the humanities and social, natural, and computer sciences to study human behavior through the material remains people left behind. Explore how our understanding of the past has influenced modern thought, and vice versa.

Discover the Human Story

Learn how archaeologists use objects, buildings, and the debris of everyday life in the past to reconstruct how people lived then and why that matters now.

Gain Real-World Field Experience

Move beyond the classroom through archaeological fieldwork, internships, or faculty-directed research.

Explore Archaeology Through Multiple Disciplines

Discover how anthropology, classical studies, art history, history, geosciences, life-sciences, and digital humanities all contribute to understanding human history and cultural heritage.

It's a good fit for you if you are interested in:

Other cultures, past and present
Anthropology, history, material culture, and environmental studies
Fieldwork, archival research, scientific (lab-based) analyses, and conservation
Digital humanities, cultural heritage management

What You'll Study

The Archaeology minor introduces students to the study of human cultures through material remains, combining methods from anthropology, history, art history, sciences, and area studies. Required fieldwork or internship components help students connect theory and practice, creating meaningful experiences outside of the classroom.

The minor works well with majors in:

Anthropology, Classical Studies, Art History, History, Religion, Environmental Studies, Geosciences, Computer Science, and other disciplines that seek to understand human cultures, research, and cultural heritage.

In-Demand Skills

Archaeological field and laboratory methods
Grant writing and fundraising
Data analysis and organization
Geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing

Comprehensive Curriculum

Students complete at least 18 credit hours that combine foundational archaeological skill-building courses, interdisciplinary electives on ancient cultures, and an approved experiential learning opportunity. The experiential learning component must be pre-approved by the program director.

Detailed course requirements and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin.

Meet the Faculty

Trinity's Archaeology faculty are here to challenge and support you throughout your academic journey.

Program Director

Melanie Godsey, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Jennifer P. Mathews, Ph.D.

Professor

Nicolle Hirschfeld, Ph.D.

Professor

Mark Garrison, Ph.D.

Alice P. Brown Distinguished Professor

Chad Spigel, Ph.D.

Jennie Farris Railey King Professor of Religion

Recent Graduate Careers

An Archaeology minor at Trinity prepares students with the research experience, analytical thinking, and interdisciplinary perspectives to succeed in careers in cultural heritage, research, education, public service, and many other fields.

Archaeology and Cultural Resource Management

Students gain skills and field experience that can lead to opportunities in archaeological research, cultural resource management, heritage preservation, and museum collections.

Museums, Archives, and Public History

Drawing on skills in artifact interpretation, historical research, and public engagement, students work in museums, archives, historic sites, and cultural institutions.

Research, Graduate Study, and Academia

The minor provides strong preparation for graduate study in archaeology, anthropology, history, classics, art history, and related disciplines through faculty mentorship and experiential learning.

Public Service, Education, and Global Organizations

Graduates apply research, communication, and analytical skills in education, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, international programs, and other careers focused on understanding people, cultures, and communities.

A student poses for a photo while kneeling and conducting an archaeology dig

Get Your Questions Answered

Students interested in the Archaeology minor should meet with should meet with the program director to explore introductory courses and review degree requirements in the official course catalog.

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