The archaeological fieldwork curriculum at Pima Community College is designed to provide students with practical archaeological field experience. Emphasis is placed on actual field experience, supplemented by appropriate lecture courses. Field courses are taught within the context of Arizona prehistory and strive to promote an appreciation of the archaeological and environmental resources of the American Southwest. No prior experience or prerequisites are necessary to begin the program or to enroll for classes.

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Field Archaeology Certificate
The certificate in field archaeology requires 17-24 credit hours of course work focusing on introductory level field, laboratory and lecture courses.  The core courses are designed to provide education and training in the fundamentals of field archaeology as well as give students the essential academic background to effectively apply their field skills.   Catalog Display    

Core Courses:

The student supplements core program requirements with one of four  concentration options: Artifact Fundamentals, Southwestern Cultures, Field Methods and Computer Archaeology and Cartography.  Students may elect to complete one or more of the options and can obtain a separate certificate for each one.  Each option is described below.  

Option 1: Artifact Fundamentals Concentration
This option provides hands-on experience with the identification of artifacts from southern Arizona as well as exposure to concepts associated with artifact interpretation and analysis.  The program requires 17 credit hours, consisting of introductory field, laboratory and lecture classes.  Completion of this option prepares the student for lab/field positions, vocational opportunities or advanced studies in archaeology.  Catalog Display

Option Courses: 

Option 2: Southwestern Cultures Concentration 
Choosing this option strengthens the student's basic fieldwork skills by broadening their perspective to include a knowledge of the prehistoric cultures and traditions of the American Southwest.   After completing the 24  credit hours, through introductory field, laboratory and lecture classes, students will be prepared for a variety of positions within the Southwest including lab/field positions, vocational opportunities or advance studies in archaeology.  Catalog Display

Option Courses:

Option 3: Field Methods Concentration
The Field Methods option allows the student to concentrate on advanced level field, laboratory and lecture classes.  The courses offered through this option, along with the core courses, prepare students for opportunities requiring more in-depth knowledge of field and lab procedures or advanced studies in archaeology.  The option requires 24 credit hours, consisting of introductory field, laboratory and lecture classes.  Catalog Display

Option Courses:

Option 4: Computer Archaeology & Cartography Concentration
Computers and electronic instruments, as well as mapping, CAD, GIS and graphic programs are common tools for today's archaeologist.  Selecting this option enables the student to gain an appropriate background in computing concepts and programs pertinent to archaeology.  The program requires 19 credit hours, consisting of introductory field, laboratory and lecture classes.  Upon completion of the courses students can pursue opportunities requiring computer related lab/field skills or advanced studies in archaeology.  Catalog Display

Option Courses:

Associate of Arts Degree in Anthropology                      
After completing the 64 credit-hour Associate of Arts Degree in Anthropology, students will be eligible to transfer to the upper-class level in anthropology at any of the state universities in Arizona. Students will also be eligible to transfer as upper class students in anthropology to most four-year colleges or universities in the country. Lecture courses in the four subfields of anthropology, as well as supporting courses and general education curricula are included in the program of study. For additional information visit the Anthropology Catalog web page.