Design archaeological research integrating field, laboratory, and digital evidence
Degree Program
Anthropology & Archaeology
Anthropology & ArchaeologyDegree Program · Human & Social Systems
Digital Archaeology & Heritage Science
Connects archaeological method to GIS, remote sensing, 3D digitization, materials analysis, research computing, and digital stewardship.
Program purpose
Master of Science
Students develop a scientifically rigorous archaeological practice that links field context and interpretive reasoning to digital capture, spatial analysis, archaeometry, collections, reproducibility, and durable public or archival outputs.
Learning outcomes
What graduates are prepared to do
Program outcomes connect disciplinary knowledge to methods, judgment, communication, and independently evaluated work.
Apply geospatial, 3D, materials, and computational methods responsibly
Develop archival-quality data and documentation
Produce a defensible thesis, report, or digital heritage product
Curriculum architecture
How the pathway is organized
Coursework progresses from foundations to methods, integration, and a culminating demonstration of capability.
Foundations
Build the knowledge, skills, and mindset for inquiry.
Application
Apply methods and tools to real-world questions.
Integration
Synthesize across disciplines and perspectives.
Demonstration
Produce and present work that creates impact.
- 01
Archaeological theory and research design
- 02
GIS, remote sensing, 3D capture, and materials analysis
- 03
Data stewardship and reproducible research
- 04
Heritage, ethics, access, and public interpretation
- 05
Thesis or technical master’s project
Course sequence
Selected curriculum
ARCH-220
Archaeological Method & Interpretation
Introduces archaeological reasoning from research design and survey through excavation, classification, chronology, interpretation, and reporting.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
AI-Assisted Archaeology
Applies machine learning, computer vision, language models, and spatial computation to archaeological data with explicit validation and interpretive controls.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Spatial Analysis & LiDAR
Uses GIS, terrain models, point clouds, and LiDAR derivatives to investigate landscapes, built environments, archaeology, ecology, and infrastructure.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Archaeometry & XRF Methods
Applies non-destructive and minimally destructive analytical methods to archaeological materials, provenance questions, technology, and conservation documentation.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Structured-Light Scanning & Digital Models
Develops non-contact 3D capture, mesh processing, measurement, texture, metadata, web visualization, and archival derivative workflows.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Data Management & Reproducible Research
Develops durable data structures, metadata, versioning, cleaning, provenance, documentation, and reproducible analysis workflows.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Cultural Resource Management Practice
Examines CRM project design, records research, field coordination, compliance documentation, laboratory integration, partner relationships, and final reporting.
- Requirement
- Core
- Credits
- 3.0
Learning environments
Field, laboratory & studio work
- Archaeometry and XRF
- 3D artifact digitization
- GIS, LiDAR, and remote sensing
- Collections and digital heritage workflows
Professional directions
Where the capability can lead
- Digital archaeologist
- Heritage scientist
- CRM technical specialist
- Collections and digital heritage manager
- Doctoral study
Culminating work
Capstone, thesis, dissertation, or professional demonstration
A thesis or technical master’s project delivers an archaeological investigation, digital heritage system, analytical study, or validated methodological contribution.
Admissions preparation
Materials and background
Admissions review considers preparation, purpose, prior work, and the fit between the applicant’s goals and the program.
Bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent
Academic records and evidence of disciplinary or methodological preparation
Statement of purpose identifying questions, methods, and intended outcomes
Writing, research, technical, or professional sample
Two academic or professional recommendations
Next step
Connect this pathway to your academic goals.
Request information for a focused conversation or begin an application through the Stella Nova Student Information System.