Archaeology

The graduate program in Archaeology provides students with advanced working knowledge and critical understanding of the methodological and theoretical principles of archaeological investigation and fieldwork. In addition to developing essential knowledge about the material and cultural roots of past societies, the program enhances student awareness about the value and relevance of Lebanon’s and the region’s archaeological heritage.

In studying Archaeology at AUB students will obtain rich insights into the life and cultures of the Near East and Mediterranean region: a region which has essentially created the contemporary world and continues to have a major impact upon it today.

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.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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.