Diploma in Archaeology
Northern Lights College
Key Information
Campus location
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
CAD 10,770 / per year
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
The Archaeology Diploma program at Northern Lights College provides academic knowledge and field skills specific to archaeology sampling techniques. The field of archaeology is growing along with the oil and gas industry and other developments that disturb the land. Trained graduates can find employment opportunities with numerous archaeology and environmental consulting firms as well as government agencies.
The diploma program is ideally suited for students interested in entry-level positions that largely involve fieldwork in remote areas under physically demanding conditions. This career can involve survey and excavation, artifact processing and analysis, and report preparation.
Using this Diploma program as a stepping stone to completion of a bachelor's degree, students can obtain employment in upper-level positions. A degree in Anthropology or Archaeology in combination with field experience offers graduates the opportunity to become Field Directors or Senior Archaeologists.
Important Notes
- Early submission of applications is encouraged, as limited seats are available. Domestic students are strongly encouraged to apply by the beginning of May each year for the September intake. If you are applying after May, please contact the admissions officers at your local campus to determine the seat availability. International students should contact the International Department for deadlines specific to their situation.
- Students should be prepared to apply inventory methods in outdoor settings. Personal equipment includes hiking or safety boots, warm and waterproof clothing, a clipboard, and a backpack. Depending on elective course selection such as LAND 201, students might be required to obtain safety tickets or purchase additional personal equipment for practicum completion.
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans for Domestic Students. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
Curriculum
Required Courses
Semester 1
- ANTH 101: Cultural and Social Anthropology I (3 credits; 45 hours)
- BIOL 125: Introduction to Ecology (3 credits; 45 hours), or BIOL 204: Introduction to Ecology (3 credits; 45 hours)
- CPSC 101: Introduction to Computing (3 credits; 45 hours)
- ENGL 100: Academic Writing (3 credits; 45 hours)
- HIST 103: Canada, Pre-Confederation (3 credits; 45 hours)
Semester 2
- ANTH 102: Cultural and Social Anthropology II (3 credits; 45 hours)
- one of: FNST 100: Aboriginal Peoples of Canada (3 credits; 45 hours), or FNST 102: Treaties and Aboriginal Rights (3 credits; 45 hours), or ANTH 203: Contemporary Canadian Native Peoples (3 credits; 45 hours)
- GEOG 112: Physical Geography: Surface of the Earth (3 credits; 75 hours)
- LAND 245: Experimental Design and Inventory Field Methods (3 credits; 45 hours)
- LAND 241: Petroleum Fundamentals (3 credits; 45 hours)
Semester 3
- ARCH 200: Intro to Archaeology and World History (3 credits; 45 hours)
- GEOG 103: The Regional Geography of Canada (3 credits; 45 hours)
- GEOG 250 Cartography: Map and AirPhoto Interpretation (3 credits; 60 hours)
- and TWO Electives selected from the list below, depending on elective availability
Semester 4
- ARCH 230: Introduction to Archaeological Heritage Management (3 credits; 45 hours)
- GEOG 260: Introduction to GIS (3 credits; 45 hours)
- HIST 210: History of British Columbia (3 credits; 45 hours)
- POLI100: Politics and Government (3 credits; 45 hours) or POLI101: The Government of Canada (3 credits; 45 hours)
- and one Elective selected from the list below, depending on elective availability
Elective Options
(note that elective options may vary from year to year; students should seek academic advice on elective selection based on career and educational goals):
- ANTH 202: Ethnography of Canada's First Nation Peoples (3 credits; 45 hours)
- ENGL 110: Introduction to Workplace Communications (3 credits; 45 hours)
- FNST 100: Aboriginal Peoples of Canada (3 credits; 45 hours) OR ANTH 203: Contemporary Canadian Native Peoples (3 credits; 45 hours) **Note: students are advised to take one of ANTH 203 or FNST 100, not both.
- FNST 102: Treaties and Aboriginal Rights (3 credits; 45 hours)
- GEOG 114: Physical Geography: Weather and Climate (3 credits; 75hours)
- SOIL 117: Introduction to Soil Science (3 credits; 45 hours)
- LAND 201: Work Practicum (3 credits; 85 hours) OR LAND 290: Work Practicum (3 credits; 85 hours)
- MATH 104: Introduction to Statistics (3 credits; 60 hours)
- POLI 200: Politics and Pipelines (3 credits; 45 hours)
- SOSC 220: Research Methods for the Social Sciences (3 credits; 45 hours)
Career Opportunities
- Archaeology consulting companies
- Environmental consulting companies
- Federal government agencies
- Provincial government agencies
- First Nation band offices
- Museums