Archeology involves studying the past by examining physical remnants and drawing conclusions. The field involves plenty of detective work, as archaeologists often work with worn out and damaged relics and incomplete records of past civilizations. Many of the relics are uncovered during archaeological excavations. Excavations involve teams of archaeologists digging into the ground and searching for clues about past activity. Archeology builds on and draws upon knowledge in other fields, such as anthropology and history.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in archeology?

If you like solving puzzles and investigating mysteries, your interests would grow in a career in archaeology. Archaeologists also tend to visit different sites around the world, so you'll also need to be willing to travel. Not all archaeologists spend their days digging at excavation sites, but you should be comfortable working with your hands. A passion for history and culture is essential.

What career opportunities can arise from learning about archeology?

Learning about archaeology will prepare you for a career in cultural resource management. This may involve excavating a site or conducting research in a laboratory setting and analyzing artifacts. You can also take on an educational role at a museum or historic site, where you'll act as a tour guide for the public. Archaeologists also find work in academia, where they share their knowledge of history with students.

How can online courses help me learn about archeology?

Online courses can introduce you to archaeological findings from around the world as well as archaeological techniques. For example, a course on osteoarchaeology can show you how archaeologists use skeletal remains to draw conclusions about past events and ancient lifestyles. A course on heritage management can introduce you to ways in which institutions handle cultural items. Instructors will make all of the course material available online. This flexibility gives you the opportunity to work through the lessons at a pace that's convenient for you.

Best Archeology Courses & Certificates [2025]

Rice University

Introduction to Archaeology

Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Timelines, Scientific Methods, Public History, Social Justice, Anthropology, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Research, Laboratory Research, Peer Review, General Science and Research, Environment, Community Development, Investigation, Social Studies, Cultural Diversity, Geographic Information Systems, Culture, World History

Status: Free

Politecnico di Milano

Archaeoastronomy

Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Art History, Architectural Design, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Social Studies, Architecture and Construction, World History, Anthropology, Physical Science, Culture, Cultural Diversity, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods

Status: Free

Sapienza University of Rome

Recovering the Humankind's Past and Saving the Universal Heritage

Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, 3D Modeling, Scientific Methods, Anthropology, Investigation, Data Modeling, Cultural Diversity, Art History, Research, Timelines, Data Management, Data Collection

Status: Free

University of Pennsylvania

Introduction to Ancient Egypt and Its Civilization

Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Culture, Art History, Anthropology, Social Studies, Timelines, World History, Liberal Arts, Cultural Diversity, Governance, Research Methodologies, Investigation, Storytelling

Status: Free

Sapienza University of Rome

At the Origins of the Mediterranean Civilization: Archaeology of the City from the Levant to the West - 3rd-1st millennium BC

Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, World History, Art History, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Water Resources, Cultural Diversity, Sociology, Economics

Status: Free

University of Arizona

Roman Art and Archaeology

Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Art History, World History, European History, Social Studies, Culture, Political Sciences, Governance, Timelines, Economics