Understanding Undergraduate Students’ Views of Careers in Archaeology

Abstract There is a current and projected dearth of individuals with the required skills and education to become professional archaeologists. Because of this, the discipline should consider underlying causes leading students to have a lack of interest in pursuing archaeological careers. Social cognitive career theory posits that self-efficacy, expected outcomes, and goal mechanisms mediate a student's career-relevant interest and aspirations. To understand undergraduate students’ perceptions of archaeological careers, we surveyed and interviewed students enrolled in an introductory course in biological anthropology and archaeology at a regional comprehensive university in the United States. Students completed surveys at the beginning and end of the course, and some students volunteered for an interview. Survey results revealed no significant changes in career interest from the beginning to the end of the course. Interview data indicated that taking the course gave students a better appreciation for archaeology, and none interviewed felt less likely to pursue a career in the discipline. We identify persistent perceptions that students held about the discipline that may dissuade them from considering archaeology as a viable career option, and we provide recommendations that may help attract more students to careers in archaeology.