About Archaeology Certificate at CSUSB
What It Is & Why It’s Beneficial
Open to anyone, CSUSB’s Archaeology Certificate provides students with foundational and applied training in archaeological fieldwork, laboratory methods, and the scientific study of past human cultures. Offered through the Department of Anthropology, the certificate blends coursework in excavation, survey, analysis, theory, and related sciences—giving students a comprehensive introduction to professional archaeological practice.
Students complete hands-on training in archaeological survey or excavation, laboratory analysis, and archaeological theory, and can tailor their certificate through electives in areas such as California archaeology, Indigenous archaeology, historical archaeology, GIS, environmental geology, or paleontology. This combination prepares students to understand cultural heritage through material evidence and to contribute to preservation and research efforts across the region.
Why This Certificate Is Beneficial
✔ Provides practical, field-based experience
Students gain real-world skills in excavation, survey, mapping, laboratory methods, and artifact analysis—skills central to archaeology and highly valued by employers.
✔ Opens pathways to in-demand careers
Graduates are well positioned for entry-level roles in cultural resource management (CRM), environmental consulting, heritage preservation, museums, and public history—fields experiencing sustained demand throughout California and the Southwest.
✔ Enhances many majors
The certificate is an excellent complement to majors such as anthropology, geography, geology, environmental studies, history, or museum studies, adding specialized skills and interdisciplinary depth.
✔ Strengthens graduate school preparation
Students planning to pursue advanced study in archaeology, anthropology, heritage conservation, or related fields benefit from the certificate’s methodological foundation and hands-on research experience.
✔ Supports CSUSB’s commitment to regional heritage and community engagement
With California’s rich archaeological landscape and the Inland Empire’s important cultural resources, the certificate equips students to contribute to responsible heritage management and community-focused research.
Careers in Archaeology Certificate
Potential Careers
The Archaeology Certificate prepares students for entry-level roles and further study in fields connected to archaeology, cultural heritage, and the environmental sciences. Graduates often explore opportunities such as:
- Archaeological Field Technician
- Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Assistant
- Heritage Preservation or Museum Support Staff
- Environmental or Historical Site Survey Assistant
- GIS or Mapping Technician (with additional coursework)
Many students also use the certificate as a strong foundation for graduate study in archaeology, anthropology, museum studies, heritage conservation, or environmental science.
These pathways reflect the certificate’s emphasis on hands-on fieldwork, analysis, and interdisciplinary skills—preparing students to engage in the discovery and preservation of human history.
Sample Courses
Historical Archaeology
Use of archaeological methods to study historic peoples. Historical and archaeological methods and their results. Focus will be primarily on North America from European entry to modern times.
Archaeology of California
Examines the archaeology of Native American peoples of California from the time of its first human occupants to contact with Europeans beginning in the 16th century.
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Cartography
Basic concepts of mapping, map projections, coordinate systems, geographic data models and data input, management, manipulation and analysis are covered. After completion of this course, Students will be able to use GIS software to make maps and solve simple spatial problems.
In Summary
CSUSB’s Archaeology Certificate offers a focused, rigorous credential for students interested in understanding and preserving the human past. Through fieldwork, laboratory training, and interdisciplinary coursework, students develop a strong skill set that supports both immediate workforce opportunities and long-term academic goals.
Similar to Archaeology Certificate
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