COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Applied Archaeology requires a total of 30 to 31 units, combining core coursework, electives, and a culminating experience. The required courses, totaling 24 units, provide students with advanced training in California archaeology, archaeological theory and history, research methods, and proposal design. The program emphasizes cultural resource management, including both the legal and practical aspects, as well as advanced laboratory analysis. Students also complete a graduate internship in applied archaeology, offering hands-on experience in professional settings. In addition to the core courses, students select three to four units of electives from a broad range of subjects, including specialized topics in archaeology, biological and sociocultural anthropology, Indigenous and historical archaeology, museum research, geographic information systems, geomorphology, digital mapping, and historic preservation. This allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests and career goals within archaeology. Finally, all students complete a culminating experience worth three units, which typically involves a research project, thesis, or applied professional work, integrating their learning and demonstrating mastery of the field. This combination of theory, practical skills, and applied experience equips graduates with the knowledge and abilities required for professional careers in cultural resource management, heritage preservation, and related archaeological sectors, as well as for pursuing further academic research or doctoral studies. The program’s flexible structure, including electives and practical experiences, ensures students gain both specialized expertise and professional readiness in the field of applied archaeology.