Archaeology

The Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology at the American University of Beirut offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education in the study of ancient and historic human societies through material remains. This program aims to equip students with a solid foundation in archaeological methods, theoretical frameworks, and cultural history, enabling them to analyze and interpret artifacts, archaeological sites, and historical contexts from the Middle East and beyond. Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on excavation techniques, laboratory analysis, and fieldwork that foster practical skills alongside critical thinking and academic research capabilities. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including ancient civilizations, cultural heritage management, archaeological ethics, and conservation, providing a well-rounded understanding of the complexities involved in preserving human history. Students are encouraged to develop their scientific and analytical abilities while also appreciating the cultural and social significance of archaeological findings. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, anthropology, art history, and geology to deepen the understanding of archaeological phenomena. Mentored by experienced faculty members who are active researchers and practitioners in the field, students have opportunities for internships, archaeological excavations, and research projects that prepare them for careers in academia, cultural resource management, museums, and heritage administration. Graduates of this program will be capable of contributing to the preservation and interpretation of archaeological heritage, conducting scientific research, and engaging with diverse communities about the importance of cultural history. The American University of Beirut’s Archaeology program fosters a dynamic academic environment that encourages inquiry, innovation, and professional development, making it an ideal choice for students passionate about exploring the rich archaeological heritage of the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the broader world.

Students interested in archaeology usually undertake a two year course of study in which they are required to complete 30 credit hours, of which a minimum of 21 credit hours should be in coursework and a minimum of 6 credit hours in thesis work, based on independent research. The graduate program in archaeology is designed to provide students with a sound foundational knowledge and critical understanding of the methodological and theoretical principles of the discipline. As such students are required to take a core course in current approaches to archaeological theory as well as at least one course of advanced training in archaeological fieldwork.

You will be taught by faculty who have a wealth of expertise and who are at the forefront of the subject, through combinations of lectures, tutorials and seminars. For the thesis, which forms a major component of the final year, oneto-one guidance will be offered by a member of faculty who shares your research interests. Beyond the core courses students are exposed to different subjects within a faculty member’s research interests. These subject areas can encompass courses in several fields of study including: • Readings in Ancient Texts, which involves an introduction to ancient Semitic languages, texts and epigraphy. • Artifact Technology and Representation, such as the study of production techniques and meanings of human-made artifacts and their place within different cultures. • Special topics courses that provide detailed and systematic analysis of the archaeology of a specific region such as Anatolia, or the Arabian Peninsula. Alternatively, the course may concentrate on the study of a specific period, for example, the Iron Age or Bronze Age Near East.

Students are required to submit a graduate application online, and to have a GPA of at least 80 or 3.0 and good recommendations to be considered for admission in a process that is competitive. Applicants to any graduate program other than AUB graduates and graduates of recognized colleges or universities in North America, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

The University provides fellowships covering partial or full tuition and a small stipend for students at the graduate level in return for a specified number of work hours per week in an academic department. Recipients are selected on the basis of their academic record and departmental needs.

The American University of Beirut offers a comprehensive Archaeology program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of ancient cultures, archaeological methods, and the significance of material culture in understanding human history. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating history, anthropology, art history, and conservation techniques to equip students with a broad skill set applicable to various careers in archaeology, museum work, cultural heritage management, and research. Students will have access to extensive laboratory facilities and fieldwork opportunities, including excavations and onsite studies in Lebanon and the Middle East, a region rich in archaeological sites spanning millennia. The curriculum covers core subjects such as classical archaeology, Near Eastern archaeology, archaeological theory and methods, and artifact analysis, complemented by courses in ethnography, cultural heritage law, and conservation practices. The program also encourages student participation in research projects, internships, and collaborations with local and international institutions to enhance practical experience. Graduates of this program are prepared for graduate studies or careers in archaeological research, cultural resource management, heritage conservation, and museum curation. The program aims to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of archaeological findings, contributing to the preservation and interpretation of Lebanon’s and the broader Middle Eastern cultural heritage.