| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Founded: 1879
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Mission: To advance the understanding of the human past through archaeological research, education, and preservation.
Membership: Includes professional archaeologists, students, and interested members of the general public.
Official Publication: Archaeology magazine (popular audience) and the American Journal of Archaeology (AJA) (academic audience)
Research Support:
Provides grants and fellowships for archaeological fieldwork and study.
Encourages and supports excavation projects around the world.
Public Education:
Organizes lectures, tours, and events through its network of over 100 local societies across North America.
Hosts International Archaeology Day (every October) to raise awareness about archaeology.
Publications:
Archaeology Magazine: Covers discoveries, digs, and insights for a general audience.
American Journal of Archaeology: Peer-reviewed academic research journal.
Preservation Advocacy:
Advocates for the protection of archaeological sites and cultural heritage through legal and public channels.
Annual Meeting:
The AIA holds an annual meeting that brings together scholars and archaeologists from around the world to share research.
The AIA was the first organization in North America to promote archaeological research and publication, and it has been instrumental in shaping archaeology as a scientific discipline in the U.S.
AIA organizes free public lectures across the U.S. and Canada through its network of over 100 local societies.
Lectures are delivered by leading archaeologists and cover topics from ancient civilizations to current excavation projects.
Lecture tours are also organized for members, offering immersive learning experiences in archaeological sites around the world.
Held every October, this event features public programs, workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities hosted by museums, universities, and historical societies.
Great for students, educators, and the public to engage with archaeology in a fun, educational way.
While AIA doesn't run its own field schools, it maintains a comprehensive directory of archaeological fieldwork opportunities (many hosted by universities or institutes).
These are often summer field schools or excavation projects where students can earn academic credit through partnering institutions.
You can find them here: AIA Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB)
Offers teaching materials, classroom activities, and online resources for K-12 and college educators.
AIA supports archaeology education in schools through downloadable lesson plans and resource kits.
While not courses, AIA offers several funding opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals:
Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarship
AIA-NEH Grant for Archaeological Research
Publication Grants for early career researchers
University Name |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
B.A. in Archaeology |
4 years |
~$56,550 |
|
Stanford University |
B.A. in Anthropology (Archaeology Track) |
4 years |
~$62,484 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
B.A. in Archaeology & Ancient History |
4 years |
~$63,452 |
|
University of Arizona |
B.A. in Anthropology (Archaeology Emphasis) |
4 years |
~$36,600 (Out-of-state) |
|
Boston University |
B.A. in Archaeology |
4 years |
~$64,176 |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
B.A. in Anthropology (Archaeology Focus) |
4 years |
~$48,465 (Out-of-state) |
|
New York University (NYU) |
B.A. in Anthropology with Archaeology Focus |
4 years |
~$60,438 |
|
University of Michigan |
B.A. in Classical Archaeology |
4 years |
~$57,273 (Out-of-state) |
|
Brown University |
B.A. in Archaeology and the Ancient World |
4 years |
~$68,230 |
University Name |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
A.M. in Anthropology (Archaeology Track) |
2 years |
~$54,032 |
|
Stanford University |
M.A. in Anthropology (Archaeology Concentration) |
2 years |
~$63,030 |
|
University of Arizona |
M.A. in Anthropology (Archaeology Emphasis) |
2 years |
~$35,000 (Out-of-state) |
|
Boston University |
M.A. in Archaeology |
2 years |
~$66,670 |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
M.A. in Classical Archaeology |
2 years |
~$26,544 (In-state) / ~$41,396 (Out-of-state) |
|
New York University (NYU) |
M.A. in Anthropology with Archaeology Focus |
2 years |
~$40,000–$50,000 |
|
University of Michigan |
M.A. in Classical Studies (Archaeology) |
2 years |
~$51,388 (Out-of-state) |
|
Brown University |
M.A. in Archaeology and the Ancient World |
2 years |
~$68,230 |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
M.A. in Anthropology or Art and Archaeology of the Mediterranean World |
2 years |
~$41,410 |
University Name |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
PhD in Anthropology (Archaeology Track) |
5–7 years |
~$54,032 (often fully funded) |
|
Stanford University |
PhD in Anthropology (Archaeology) |
5–6 years |
~$63,030 (typically funded) |
|
University of Arizona |
PhD in Anthropology (Archaeology Emphasis) |
5–7 years |
~$35,000 (out-of-state; often funded) |
|
Boston University |
PhD in Archaeology |
5–7 years |
~$66,670 (funding usually available) |
|
UC Berkeley |
PhD in Ancient History and Mediterranean Archaeology |
5–7 years |
~$26,544 (In-state) / ~$41,396 (Out-of-state) |
|
University of Pennsylvania |
PhD in Anthropology / Art & Archaeology of the Mediterranean World |
5–7 years |
~$41,410 (often fully funded) |
|
Brown University |
PhD in Archaeology and the Ancient World |
5–6 years |
~$68,230 (typically funded) |
|
University of Michigan |
PhD in Classical Studies (Archaeology Focus) |
5–7 years |
~$51,388 (Out-of-state; funding common) |
|
NYU (New York University) |
PhD in Anthropology with Archaeology Specialization |
5–7 years |
~$40,000–$50,000 (usually funded) |
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Fieldwork Opportunities |
AIA maintains a global database of archaeological field schools and digs (many open to international students). Explore AFOB |
|
Fellowships & Grants |
Some AIA-funded scholarships are open to non-U.S. citizens, especially for graduate research, fieldwork, and study. Examples include the AIA-NEH grants, the Olivia James Traveling Fellowship, and the Helen M. Woodruff Fellowship. |
|
Educational Resources |
Offers free educational resources, lesson plans, videos, and lectures online—accessible globally. |
|
Membership Access |
International students can join AIA as members and access publications, lectures, and networking opportunities. Student membership rates are available. |
|
Virtual Events |
Many AIA lectures, webinars, and International Archaeology Day events are held online and accessible worldwide. |
|
Networking & Conferences |
The AIA Annual Meeting welcomes scholars and students globally to present papers and network. It's a major international academic conference. |
|
Publications |
International students can subscribe to Archaeology magazine and the American Journal of Archaeology (AJA)—top resources for current research. |
Explore Field Schools: Many are hosted by U.S. universities but accept students globally.
Apply for Grants & Fellowships: AIA offers several that don’t require U.S. citizenship.
Join as a Member: Gain access to academic resources, journals, and event invitations.
Present at AIA Conferences: Graduate students and researchers from around the world are encouraged to submit papers.
Stay Informed: Get the latest discoveries and excavation updates through AIA publications.
Fieldwork Bulletin (AFOB): https://www.archaeological.org/fieldwork/
Grants & Fellowships: https://www.archaeological.org/grants/
Join AIA: https://www.archaeological.org/join/
International Archaeology Day: https://www.archaeological.org/programs/public/archaeologyday/
Step |
Action |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Join AIA as a Member |
- Open to students, professionals, and the public worldwide. |
|
2 |
Apply for AIA Grants/Fellowships |
- Check eligibility (some open to non-U.S. citizens). |
|
3 |
Register for the AIA Annual Meeting |
- Open to all interested in archaeology. |
|
4 |
Search for Fieldwork Programs (Optional) |
- Use AIA’s Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB) to find dig programs that often accept students (including international). |
|
5 |
Engage with AIA Content |
- Subscribe to Archaeology magazine or American Journal of Archaeology (AJA). |
If you're looking for a degree program in Archaeology (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD), you should apply directly to universities in the U.S. that offer those programs — many of which are affiliated with or supported by AIA.
Would you like help with:
Finding a university in the U.S. with a strong archaeology program?
Knowing which field schools accept international students?
AIA scholarship opportunities?
Program / Opportunity |
Intake Period / Deadline |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
AIA Membership |
Open year-round |
Open to anyone worldwide—students, professionals, or the public. |
|
Grants & Fellowships |
(usually fall/winter deadlines) |
Many are open to international applicants, especially graduate students and scholars. Each grant has specific requirements. |
|
Annual Meeting (Conference) |
Held every January; registration opens months prior |
Open to scholars, students, and the public. Proposal submissions (abstracts) usually due in March–April of the previous year. |
|
Fieldwork Opportunities (AFOB) |
mostly May–August (summer fieldwork) |
Open to all; some programs accept beginners, others require university enrollment or prior experience. Many are open to international participants. |
|
International Archaeology Day |
Held every October |
Open to anyone—no eligibility requirements. Events are hosted worldwide. |
|
Lecture Programs (AIA Societies) |
Ongoing (check local schedules) |
Open to members and the public in many cases. No formal application needed. |
No academic degree required for membership or event participation.
Students (undergrad and graduate) are encouraged to join and apply for scholarships.
Non-U.S. citizens are eligible for several grants, fieldwork programs, and online activities.
For grants/fellowships, applicants usually need:
A project proposal or academic affiliation
CV/resume
Letters of recommendation (for some)
For field schools, eligibility varies:
Some accept students aged 18+
Others may require current university enrollment or background in archaeology/anthropology
Scholarship / Fellowship Name |
Eligibility |
Purpose |
Award Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarship |
Undergraduate students (any nationality) who have not yet participated in a field school |
Support first-time field school experience |
$1,000 |
|
Helen M. Woodruff Fellowship |
PhD candidates at U.S. institutions in classical studies |
Study at the American Academy in Rome |
Up to $11,000 |
|
Olivia James Traveling Fellowship |
U.S. citizens or permanent residents, PhD students or recent PhDs |
Travel & research in Greece, Turkey, or Cyprus |
$25,000 |
|
AIA-NEH Grant for Archaeological Research |
Senior scholars (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) |
Support for significant archaeological research |
Up to $100,000 |
|
Harriet and Leon Pomerance Fellowship |
PhD students and scholars (any nationality) |
Aegean Bronze Age studies |
$5,000 |
|
Julie Herzig Desnick Endowment Fund for Archaeological Field Surveys |
Scholars of all levels |
Field survey projects |
N/A |
|
Elizabeth Bartman Museum Internship |
Students or recent graduates (U.S. citizens) |
Internship at a North American museum |
$3,000 |
|
Cotsen Excavation Grant (Student Fieldwork) |
Students (undergraduate or graduate) |
Fieldwork project participation |
Up to $2,000 |
|
Cotsen Excavation Grant (Project Directors) |
Archaeological project directors |
Support excavation expenses |
Up to $25,000 |
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Main Office Location |
Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
|
Campus Facilities |
None – AIA is not a campus-based institution |
|
Accommodation Offered |
No dormitories or housing provided |
|
Field Schools (via AFOB) |
Many partner programs offer on-site housing or arrange accommodation |
|
Accommodation Cost (Fieldwork) |
Varies widely: ~$500 to $1,500/month (or included in program fee) |
|
Associated Universities |
AIA collaborates with universities that offer campus housing (e.g., Harvard, BU, Arizona) |
|
Annual Meeting Venue |
Changes each year; accommodation is participant-arranged (hotels, hostels) |
Field School |
Location |
Housing Type |
Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Balkan Heritage Field School |
Bulgaria |
Shared guesthouse |
~$600–$900 for full program |
|
Institute for Field Research (IFR) |
Global (e.g., Peru, Greece, Israel) |
On-site camps/dorms/hotels |
~$1,000/month (avg, included in program fees) |
|
University of Arizona Excavation |
Arizona, USA |
Campus housing or apartments |
~$700–$1,200/month |
Event Type |
Accommodation Options |
Typical Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
AIA Annual Meeting |
Hotels near the conference venue (U.S. city) |
~$100–$250/night |
|
Public Lectures |
No accommodation needed (day events) |
N/A |
Students involved with AIA often participate in public lectures, archaeology talks, and special events hosted by over 100 local AIA Societies across the U.S. and Canada. These events bring together students, professors, and enthusiasts to learn from leading archaeologists in a casual, engaging setting.
One of the most exciting aspects of being a student involved with AIA is access to fieldwork opportunities. Through the AIA’s Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB), students can apply to join excavations around the world—Greece, Italy, Israel, Peru, Turkey, and more. Many of these projects offer a real taste of archaeology and often count toward academic credit.
Every October, AIA hosts International Archaeology Day, a celebration filled with community events, hands-on activities, lectures, and archaeological site tours. Students can volunteer, participate, or even lead events through their local AIA society.
Students who join AIA as members get access to exclusive resources:
Archaeology magazine
American Journal of Archaeology (AJA)
Annual AIA Meeting (academic conference)
These are great platforms for networking, presenting research, and building a professional career in archaeology.
AIA provides multiple grants and scholarships that support student fieldwork, research, and museum internships. This financial support can be a huge help in gaining hands-on experience and growing professionally.
While there's no physical student campus, AIA creates a strong global community. Students connect through online events, virtual lectures, academic conferences, and shared fieldwork experiences. It's a great way to build lifelong friendships and academic relationships across borders.
No, the AIA does not offer direct job placements or internships in the way a university career services office might.
However, the AIA does support students, early-career archaeologists, and professionals by connecting them to career-building opportunities, including:
AIA's Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin lists field schools and excavation projects worldwide.
Many of these are run by universities and institutions and can serve as a stepping stone to future job or academic opportunities.
Some also offer academic credit or include training that is valuable for future employment.
AIA offers funded internships like the Elizabeth Bartman Museum Internship, which helps students gain hands-on experience in museums and archaeological institutions.
These experiences strengthen your resume and help with future job placements in museums, academic research, or cultural heritage work.
The AIA Annual Meeting is one of the largest gatherings of archaeologists in the world.
It’s a prime opportunity for students and early-career scholars to:
Present papers and posters
Network with professors, researchers, museum curators, and field directors
Explore graduate programs, job openings, and research collaborations
AIA hosts an online job board where universities, museums, and institutions post academic and field-related jobs in archaeology.
This includes:
Tenure-track university positions
Research fellowships
Museum jobs
CRM (Cultural Resource Management) positions
AIA Jobs Page: https://www.archaeological.org/jobs/
Articles, webinars, and guides on careers in archaeology are regularly shared.
Tips for publishing, grant writing, and field leadership are especially helpful for graduate students and early-career archaeologists.
Universities & Colleges (Professorships, research posts)
Museums (Curation, education, collections management)
Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Firms
Government Agencies (e.g., National Park Service, UNESCO-affiliated programs)
Non-profits & NGOs working in heritage conservation
While AIA doesn’t place students into jobs like a college might, it plays a huge role in helping students and professionals build their careers through:
Field training
Funding
Networking
Research exposure
Job listings and resources
The AIA is a professional and scholarly organization, not an academic institution.
It does not admit students for degrees (like Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD), so there's no admissions process or competitive selection based on grades, test scores, or applications.
Membership in the AIA is open to all, including students, professionals, and archaeology enthusiasts around the world.
If you're looking to study archaeology in the U.S., then you’ll want to look at the acceptance rates of universities that offer archaeology programs — many of which are affiliated with or supported by AIA.
University |
Approx. Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
|
Harvard University |
~3–5% |
|
Stanford University |
~4–5% |
|
Boston University |
~19–20% |
|
University of Arizona |
~87% |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
~11–15% |
These universities offer archaeology or anthropology degrees and may have professors involved in AIA programs, publications, or research.
Archaeological Institute of America (AIA)
Location:
Boston University
656 Beacon Street, 6th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
United States
The AIA shares office space with the editorial offices of Archaeology Magazine and some academic staff affiliated with Boston University, one of its closest institutional partners.
It is not a student campus, so it doesn't have dorms, dining halls, or classroom buildings.
Many of AIA’s events, lectures, and programs are held virtually or hosted by local societies in over 100 cities across the U.S. and Canada.
The AIA’s Annual Meeting (its biggest academic event) is hosted in a different U.S. city each year, often in collaboration with the Society for Classical Studies.
