How to Become a Biblical Archaeologist

Have you ever wondered what it takes to follow a career in Biblical Archaeology? If so, then read on for an expert's reply to a letter from an 11-year-old.

Actually, "Biblical Archaeology" is a combination of two pretty different fields: biblical studies and archaeology. Each is enormous in its own right. Together, they require mastery of a great many things. So you have your work cut out for you!

There are various stages you will have to go through to become a "Biblical Archaeologist." First, between now and the end of high school you should try to become as informed about the world as possible. Archaeology is about people. The more you learn and know about people, including people in the past, the better are your chances of success in this career. Get the best grades you can in school. Study French. Read as much as you can, including fiction: archaeology requires imaginative people!

You might want to look at a magazine called Near Eastern Archaeology. It used to be called Biblical Archaeologist, and is written for people interested in biblical archaeology. (In fact, you can find the most recent issue on the ASOR Website, and information about how to get back issues as well.) It is probably a bit too technical for you right now, but some day you might want to subscribe to it. There is a special student rate. At any rate, this will give you some idea of what is going on in the field right now.

Incidentally, the change of the name of the journal reflects something you should know. "Biblical Archaeology" is really something called "Near Eastern Archaeology." In terms of archaeology, one cannot focus simply on the Bible. It was written in a place which was part of the ancient Near East, so archaeologists interested in the Bible must know about the cultures and peoples of the ancient Near East. Furthermore, Near Eastern Archaeology is part of "World Archaeology." So, to be a "Biblical Archaeologist" one must know about archaeology around the world. That is why it is important to learn as much as possible about the world and its people.

If your high school grades are good enough, you can get into a good university, maybe even with a scholarship. But remember that universities (and institutions who hire archaeologists) are also looking for well-rounded, interesting people. Don't neglect things like sports, hobbies and clubs in high school. Archaeologists are leaders of expeditions and have to know how to get along with all sorts of people. Extra-curricular activities in high school are good preparation for becoming a leader and for getting along with different people.

If you still want to pursue archaeology after high school, you should try to get into a university that has some instruction in archaeology. After one course, you might decide that you hate it! Most universities offer some instruction in archaeology, usually within a Department of Anthropology (or in the case of my university, the Department of Geography). You don't have to major in archaeology however. In addition to Anthropology and Geography, subjects such as History, English or one of the sciences like Biology provide good preparation for archaeology.

Again, language study, good grades and extra-curricular activities are important. In university, if you can study another language in addition to French (for example, German) that would be really good: but don't ever neglect your French.

After you turn 18, you can begin to go on digs. There are many digs that have opportunities for young volunteers. I was affiliated with the biblical sites of Tel Dan and Tel Miqne/Ekron projects (both now finished) and took my students to them to excavate. There are always lots of excavation projects to sign up for, and so when you are ready, they will be waiting for you. Field experience is really necessary for a career as an archaeologist. The more field experience you have, the better are your chances of a successful career in archaeology.

Excavations are expensive, however. For the six- or seven-week season, volunteers have to pay transportation, room and board, and tuition. But after the first year, you might get a staff position, and that would pay part or all of your expenses. This is where those clubs and leadership skills begin to pay off. The better you do on the dig as a participant and show leadership qualities, the better your chances of continuing but as a member of the staff.

After university, graduate school will be your next stop. I won't spell out all of the details for you. If you are still interested in "Biblical Archaeology" at that point, you should plan on studying not only archaeology but biblical languages and history. These languages include Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Many "biblical archaeologists" also learn a variety of other Near Eastern Languages such as Phoenician, Akkadian and Egyptian. But that is some distance from the present: taken one step at a time, it will not be impossible to accomplish.

When you are ready to begin your career there will probably be other and different opportunities in the field of archaeology than there are now because the field is constantly changing. But of this I am certain: there will be jobs for qualified people.

Well, that is about it. If you are 11 now, in about 20 years, you should be a qualified archaeologist. Congratulations! Believe it or not, those years will go quickly, though it may not seem that way to you now.

I wish you success in this endeavor--or anything else you attempt.

[Editor's note: For further information about careers in archaeology, you may want to go to one of the links in our Links section. ]

(Reprinted from ASOR Newsletter, summer 1999)