Top liberal arts colleges for archaeology?

I want to study archaeology and really value the well-rounded education offered by liberal arts colleges. Can anyone recommend the best liberal arts colleges for archaeology? Bonus points for schools with hands-on opportunities!

Sure, I can help with that! Several liberal arts colleges have reputable archaeology programs, often combined with anthropology or classical studies.

Bowdoin College comes highly recommended in terms of offering a solid liberal arts education along with a strong program in archaeology. You'd be looking at their anthropology major, which includes archaeology. They also offer an Archaeological Studies Interdisciplinary Program, focusing on fleshing out practical experience and study within archaeological fieldwork and lab analysis.

Pomona College is another excellent choice—it’s renowned for its strong archaeology program integrated within their anthropology department. Their location in Southern California exposes students to several archaeological sites in the region.

Similarly, Hamilton College offers an interdisciplinary concentration in archaeology that features hands-on fieldwork and lab-based analysis. This program allows students to both develop their intellectual grasp of the subject and obtain experience in real-world archaeological research.

Oberlin College may also be a good fit. They offer an Archaeological Studies major that is designed to provide students a broad basis within the field. The college has faculty-directed, student research possibilities both domestically, including several close to the college in Ohio, and internationally.

All of these institutions are known for their balanced liberal arts curriculum, along with rich hands-on learning opportunities, to augment the typical course of study. Be sure to check out the specifics of each program to see which aligns best with your academic and career goals. This could be by looking at the courses offered, faculty research interests, and the opportunity for fieldwork or internships. Good luck with your college search!