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Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

These degree profiles look at potential jobs, key skills & atributes, associations & professional development and great books which relate to each degree and its potential career path.

Archaeology

Archaeologists examine material remains to understand past human life and cultural activities. This program will give you a solid understanding of how to research, excavate and scientifically analyze cultural remains gleaned from sites.

Key Skills & Knowledge

Research - Statistical population sampling; Statistical analysis; Accurate data collection; Make detailed observations; Qualitative, quantitative and survey research

Communication - Gather & disseminate information; for reports and for educational resources as well as presentations for diverse audiences; Write both descriptive and analytical reports

Organizational - Project management; Collection and cataloging of individual, cultural and historical information and data

Field work - Field work techniques to uncover, study and preserve physical evidence and information; Work in remote locations, in small groups, in hazardous conditions and with limited access to technology

Analytical - Symbolic understanding and interpretation; Synthesize complex information

Critical thinking - Understand past events to better understand culture and society; Interpret/evaluate events, information and ideas representing the past; Basic understanding of human evolution & genetics

Cultural awareness - Sensitivity and appreciation of cultures, particularly First Nations Strong professional ethics demonstrated through respect of the heritage of the people you study

Sample Job Titles

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

  • Archaeobotany/Paleobotanist
  • Archaeological Assistant/Technician
  • Archaeologist (experimental, contract,
    historical, landscape, maritime,
    medieval, nautical, underwater,
    zoo)
  • Archaeometrist
  • Archivist/Archivist Assistant
  • Artifact Preservationist/Conservator
  • Curator
  • Educator/Teacher/Professor
  • Instructor
  • Guide
  • Heritage Assistant
  • Impact Analyst
  • Indigenous Liaison
  • Librarian
  • Museum Exhibit Director/Exhibit Assistant
  • Museum Technician
  • Parks Educational Program Director
  • Traditional Land Use Analyst
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Writer

Potential Industries

  • Cultural Resource 
  • Management
  • Education
  • Environment Consulting
  • Excavations
  • Forts & Interpretive 
  • Centres
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Heritage Planning
  • Historic Parks
  • Libraries/Archives
  • Market Research
  • Museums
  • Post-Secondary
  • Research

Did you know?

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development.  These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work.  Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.

Publications

Key Contacts

Faculty Contact

Arts Students' Centre
Social Sciences Building, SS102
T: 403.220-6318
E: ascarts@ucalgary.ca
W: arts.ucalgary.ca/advising

Clubs on Campus: 

Chacmool Archaeology Association

Centre for Career and Personal Development
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: https://www.ucalgary.ca/career-personal-development