Andrew Altizer ⋅ Galveston, TX U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 9 years served

I wanted to respond to this 6 years after, I finished my BA in Archaeology and I finish my masters in Geosciences with a focus on petroleum geology in December and I am currently working for NASA Langley Research Center on an amazing project, I appreciate everyone's guidance so long ago and even though I didn't respond I did consider all the advice.

Andrew Altizer ⋅ Galveston, TX U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 9 years served

Thank you Ali Hoban for your support!

Dave Weinberg ⋅ Rio Rancho, NM Practical Risk, LLC ⋅ 40 years experience

Hello Andrew,

First, my thank you for your service.

I got my PhD in geology at A&M many years ago, but keep in touch. Your interests are pretty specific and focused, and not typical of most (or of A&M's) regular undergraduates. Generally, I agree with Ms Ray, who commented above. I note that you are in Galveston, which is where TAMU-Galveston is located and that's where their fleet is located. However, I gathered from your description that you are enrolled at a community college for your initial college work - that's a smart choice for you to have made. However, the core courses you will need to take for a solid science degree are located at College Station. Are you planning on relocating there after your separation from the service? Personally, I would advise it.

I agree with Ms Ray's comments regarding the difficulty in finding employment in the fields you mentioned, and I completely agree that if that is the way you want to go, you absolutely will be looking for a PhD to compete for those jobs out there. That means you are probably looking at a 6-year commitment of graduate school after your Bachelors. Not trying to scare you, just want you to appreciate what you'd be signing up for. There are, as Ms Ray mentioned, alternatives such as oceanography, geology, geophysics - any one of which can be a springboard to a more focused graduate program. Also, realize that at the main campus, you would likely have more opportunities/offerings to take courses outside your major in fields like anthropology/archaeology. I'm assuming from your comments that you are more interested in the physical science side of anthropology/archaeology than the cultural aspects. If that's not true, then you also want to look at classes in sociology, zoology, and anatomy.

Hope this helps a little,

Gig 'Em

Dave

Andrew Altizer ⋅ Galveston, TX U.S. Army, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 9 years served

Thanks everyone !

Stephanie Ray ⋅ El Paso, TX NAVOCEANO/NASA ⋅ 1 years experience

Hi Andrew,

I am a Geologist and prior Coast Guard. Here are my 2 cents. Reevaluate anthropology/archaeology, employment is extremely difficult to find, even with a Ph.D and if you do find it, the pay is not very much. In the education system the focus on anthropology/archaeology sciences is geared more towards the social sciences, but if you are wanting to add maritime interest, it will be very difficult and you won't be able to add the focus until you reach graduate level. Seeing as how you are looking at A&M, (I will be there in the Spring for a Ph.D program), look into their Paleoclimate/Oceanography program, these degrees will be in Geology. A bachelors degree in Geology will allow you to tie education back into archaeology. You may even want to look at forensic geology, while most of your studies for either program will focus on marine fossils, it is essential to know them to understand where you are in "time". You can even take some geomorphology classes. Restructuring your course work will open more employment and internship opportunities and it will still allow you to come back to anthropology/archaeology. Good luck to you.

Ali Hoban ⋅ New York, NY AOL ⋅ 5 years experience

Hi Andrew,

I just did a quick search of anthropology/archaeology using the site's search feature and I found Varna Boyd, an Advisor with experience in archaeology.

I would recommend taking a look at her profile and potentially sending her a private message to ask for advice. Here is her profile: https://acp-advisornet.org/community/bh5fwk/varna-boyd

Best of luck!
Ali