Ensure that future generations understand where they came from. Learn preservation techniques and research skills to make history come alive.
Why Earn a Master's in Public Archaeology?
Help connect current generations with the past. By earning a master's in public archaeology, you'll learn to manage cultural resources. You'll learn how to preserve historic buildings, artifacts and even folklore. You'll take classes in anthropology, archaeology and laboratory methods. You'll also complete an internship to gain practical experience in managing archaeological resources.
When you graduate, you can apply for Ph.D. programs focused on public archaeology and cultural heritage management. You'll also be able to work for museums, galleries or educational institutions. Your work will help preserve heritage sites and objects for future generations.
Why Study Public Archaeology at CSUN?
Experienced Faculty
Our faculty publish leading research and champion community engagement. They helm field projects in Mexico, Peru, Scotland, Botswana, Thailand and more. They provide expertise to local community organizations, museums and schools. You will be able to join faculty in their research projects to gain insight and experience.
Practicum Opportunity
As part of your degree, you will find an internship to work directly in cultural resource management.
What You'll Learn
With a master's degree in public archaeology, you will take a wide range of classes to prepare you for proper cultural resource management. You'll take seminars in anthropology, archaeology and laboratory methods.
In your required core seminars, you will learn:
- Anthropological theory and methods
- Current issues in archaeology
- Management of archaeological resources
- Research design
- Proposal and grant writing
You will also take methods courses to gain hands-on experience in the laboratory and in the field:
- Lab methods in archaeology
- Advanced quantitative methods
- Practicum (internship) in cultural resource management
You will choose between two topical courses to focus your archaeological studies:
- Human osteology
- California archaeology
- Advanced North American archaeology
- Advanced historical archaeology
You will also take two elective anthropology courses as electives.
As a culminating experience, you will complete and defend a thesis.
Careers & Outcomes
The Public Archaeology master’s program will prepare you to work in the field of cultural resource management. You can work for museums, historical sites and at research centers. You can also apply for Ph.D. programs that place an emphasis on public archaeology and cultural heritage management.
Admission Information
To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:
- Meet university requirements.
- Meet department requirements for the Master of Arts in Public Archaeology.
- Apply to both the university and the specific graduate program of interest.
Learn more about applying for a master’s program at CSUN.