Universities for Studying Archaeology?

I'm really interested in archaeology and looking for colleges with strong archaeology programs. Can anyone recommend schools known for their archaeology departments? Would love insight into what makes these programs stand out!

There are a number of fantastic archaeology programs in the U.S., so you have quite a few options to consider.

One of the top programs that comes to mind is at Yale University. Its archaeology department offers a wealth of opportunities for fieldwork and research, including extensive study abroad programs that will allow you to immerse yourself in different cultures and historical sites. Yale's program stands out due to its large number of specialized faculty members, its lab resources, and its focus on hands-on experience.

Stanford University also offers a strong archaeology program. Notably, it has the Archaeology Center, a hub for students and faculty to collaborate and engage in innovative research. Their focus is multi-disciplinary, allowing you to intermingle studies of archaeology with other interests you might have.

Then there's the University of California, Berkeley, which has an esteemed archaeology program with unique research opportunities, including access to its on-campus museum, The Hearst Museum of Anthropology, which houses thousands of artifacts.

I also think you should consider the University of Chicago for its intense focus on research. Its famed Oriental Institute specializes in ancient Near Eastern studies, while fieldwork prospects span across several continents.

Lastly, the University of Pennsylvania offers an illustrious program with an extensive assortment of artifacts in the Penn Museum.

Across all these universities, what makes these programs stand out is not only their rigorous academic training but also the myriad of hands-on opportunities and research experience they offer, which are invaluable in the field of archaeology. They also have extensive collections of ancient artifacts and work closely with related departments like anthropology and history, providing a well-rounded understanding of the field.