Program

Associate of Applied Science in Archaeology

The Archaeology program prepares you for a career as a field and laboratory archaeological technician in both the public and private sector of archaeology and provides sufficient background for growth and advancement in the profession of archaeology.

Archaeology is the study of the human past. It is a subdivision of anthropology which is the study of human cultural and physical evolution. Archaeologists try to reconstruct the human past through tangible evidence, written documentation, and even oral histories when investigating the recent past. Tangible evidence includes artifacts (various kinds of stone tools, ceramics, bone, figurines, pipes, etc.), features (fire pits, post molds, trash pits and other soil stains as well as structures such as earthworks, mounds, temples, pyramids, and building foundations), and ecofacts (nuts, seeds, pollen, charcoal, and other natural objects that help archaeologists recreate past environments). Written documentation includes maps, geological reports, archival documents, and information recorded by previous archaeologists. The ability to analyze and interpret these sources of information or cultural resources is a central component in archaeology.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Archaeology:

• Observe professional behavior and ethics including cultural sensitivity, preservation of regulations, and ability to work well with others;
• Interpret and document the environment focusing on geomorphology, stratigraphy, and site formation processes;
• Assist in reviewing and compiling background research;
• Employ survey and excavation methods and techniques including reading and creating maps, using a transit and compass, site identification, and documenting research results;
• Identify and collect archaeological data;
• Process and catalog recovered materials;
• Perform laboratory techniques such as cleaning artifacts and preparing specimens for analysis;
• Build and manipulate computer databases; and,
• Assist in final report preparation, including state inventory form compilation and creating maps and figures.

Curriculum

• 2011 Transition
• 2012 Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Many cultural resource management (CRM) firms and government agencies who have had some of our graduates work for them continue to hire our students every year. Some even hire our top graduates before they look at anyone else. This is attributed to our specialized and unique curriculum. Subsequently, graduates of our program have had enormous success. The majority of these have been with archaeological CRM firms in the midwest region. The average pay has been $12.50 - $17.00 an hour. Furthermore, these positions have been primarily field oriented which means that they do a lot of traveling. When the field crews are on the road, all living expenses (food, lodging and travel) are paid by day ranging from $150.00 to $250.00 a week. Combined, this creates a very attractive entry level salary of $26,000-$35,000. Essentially, if you successfully complete the program at Hocking College and are willing to travel, you will be able to pick your job in archaeology.

The Bachelor of Science in Archaeology offered by the University of Rio Grande through the University Center is designed to complement the unique associate degree in archaeology from Hocking College. Upon completion of the BS degree, graduates will have two degrees both in science and archaeology. These degrees will give graduates a distinctive edge for archaeological employment including field and laboratory supervisor for state and federal government agencies, cultural resource management firms and research assistants.

All courses are taught at Hocking College by a combination of Rio Grande and HC professors.

Hocking College Career Services