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Archaeology Outcomes & Career Options

Archaeologists examine, recover, and preserve evidence and artifacts from past human cultures. They connect artifacts with information about historic environments to learn about the experiences, customs, and living habits of people in earlier civilizations. Archaeologists also manage and protect archaeological sites. Some work in national parks or historical sites, where they protect known historical or archaeological sites and educate the public. Others assess building sites to ensure that construction plans comply with federal regulations regarding preservation of these sites. Archaeologists often specialize in a particular geographic area, time period, or subject matter, such as animal remains or underwater sites. Many people with a Ph.D. in archaeology become professors or museum curators. 

Spiritual Formation

Among Student Learning Outcomes for academic and pre-professional programs in the Undergraduate Department of Religion:

Students will be aware of and informed regarding spiritual and religious experience and expression and will explore the nature of spirituality and its expression—they will demonstrate the value of personal spiritual formation in a holistic context.

Students in the Undergraduate Department of Religion experience a deepened spiritual awareness through activities inside and outside classes. Spiritual formation is foundational to the church and its life. Courses offered address Christian spirituality in the context of faith development. The curriculum is designed to afford students opportunities to deepen their spiritual awareness in classes directly related to the history, theology and practice of spirituality. The course offerings for undergraduate students that are related to topics of spirituality and the dynamics of Christian formation practices include the following:

  • RELG 267 Religious Faith and Life
  • RELP 345 Spiritual Formation
  • RELT 205 Dynamics of Personal Religion
  • RELT 464 Religious Development and Moral Learning

In addition to the student’s regular weekly worship in the church of their choice, campus-related opportunities for strengthening spirituality include devotional gatherings like:

  • weekly dormitory worship services Wednesday evenings at 10:00 p.m. for our residential students
  • weekly University worships Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. in the La Sierra University Church quarterly Divinity School Assembly meetings in Angwin Hall Dormitory Chapel
  • annual School one-day Fall Retreats at the California Citrus State Historic Park
  • annual School graduating-student consecration service in Matheson Hall

There are also regular staff devotional meetings for students doing field study. The extra-curricular opportunities for rest and rejuvenating the spirit are provided by the Spiritual Life office and other campus resources.

Educational Qualifications

Those with a bachelor’s degree in archaeology and work experience in an internship or field school can work as a field archaeologist or do basic laboratory work. To advance beyond entry-level positions, a master’s degree is usually desired. Most master’s degree programs are 2 years in duration and include field research. Jobs that require leadership roles and more technical experience may require a Ph.D. 

Job Outlook

Employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Outside of research, employment of archaeologists will be largely influenced by the level of construction activity. As construction projects increase, more archaeologists will be needed to ensure that builders comply with federal regulations regarding the preservation of archaeological and historical artifacts.

Entering Salary

According to the California Career Resource Network, directors of religious activities and education earned an average annual wage of $48,570 in the state of California during 2012. Most earned salaries ranging between $27,530 and $74,450. According to the Southeastern California Conference, Bible workers may earn $600-$1,200 every two weeks, depending on the duties assigned by the individual church.
The median annual wage for anthropologists and archeologists was $61,220 in May 2015. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,440, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,040.
According to the California Career Resource Network, Clergy earned an average annual wage of $56,520 in the state of California during 2012. Most earned salaries ranging between $22,170 and $95,220. According to the Southeastern California Conference, Bible workers may earn $600-$1,200 every two weeks, depending on the duties assigned by the individual church.

Sources:

Academic program information adapted from:
La Sierra University. (2016-2017). Undergraduate Academic Bulletin. Retrieved from http://www.lasierra.edu/bulletin

Career information adapted from:
California Career Resource Network. (2014). California CareerZone. Retrieved from https://www.cacareerzone.org

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Anthropologists and Archeologists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm (visited October 13, 2016).

Contact and Location

religion@lasierra.edu
(951) 785-2041
La Sierra Hall, Room 205

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