Archaeological Sciences
Available as a concentration
When it comes to archaeological education in Virginia, Roanoke College is leading the way. As the only college in the state that offers an archeological sciences program, we’ll prepare you to apply a variety of sciences and modern analyses in the field. Our courses are technology-based and team-based, which will make you a well-rounded candidate for any job or graduate program you pursue.
Curriculum & Courses
Sample Course Offerings
ARTH 220: Egyptian Art and Archaeology
ARTH 222: Archaeology of Death in the Ancient Middle East
HIST 206: Historical Archaeology
What Makes Roanoke Different?
Roanoke College is the only college in Virginia that offers a program in archaeological sciences.
Learn By Doing
We offer many firsthand learning opportunities for our students.
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We offer semester- or year-long international exchanges with more than 50 schools around the world, including Egypt, Israel, Belgium, Chile, Morocco, France, Denmark, Germany, Australia and Japan.
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Completing an Independent Study project is an excellent way to explore a topic in depth, discover a passion that can become a career, and develop skills that can set you apart when you apply for jobs or graduate study.
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Roanoke students have the opportunity to travel broadly with faculty and most of our students take advantage of this. All of our faculty lead month-long trips where they teach and travel with students.
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Research opportunities start right here at Roanoke College. Students work one-on-one with faculty, participate in archaeological digs, and gain hands-on experience in our Living History Lab.
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Many students expand their knowledge and skill sets through internship experiences off campus. This type of introduction to working in the field is very beneficial for students interested in getting jobs in the public sector after college.
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Students have a unique opportunity to study literature, history, and society during the summer at St. Anne's College, University of Oxford in England.
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Founded in 1875 by the college's first president, David F. Bittle, the Society is the oldest student organization on campus. The society plans outings to historical sites, hosts films and speakers, and sponsors socials two or three times a year.
Experiencing Egypt
Serena Soterakopoulos '18 and Jacob Friedrich '19, student ceramic research assistants, traveled to Elephantine Island, Egypt, for five weeks. They dove into the rich archaeological history while exploring the current vibrancy of the Egyptian culture.
Serena Soterakopoulos '18 and Jacob Friedrich '19, student ceramic research assistants, traveled to Elephantine Island, Egypt, for five weeks. They dove into the rich archaeological history while exploring the current vibrancy of the Egyptian culture.
Serena Soterakopoulos '18 and Jacob Friedrich '19, student ceramic research assistants, traveled to Elephantine Island, Egypt, for five weeks. They dove into the rich archaeological history while exploring the current vibrancy of the Egyptian culture.
Serena Soterakopoulos '18 and Jacob Friedrich '19, student ceramic research assistants, traveled to Elephantine Island, Egypt, for five weeks. They dove into the rich archaeological history while exploring the current vibrancy of the Egyptian culture.
Serena Soterakopoulos '18 and Jacob Friedrich '19, student ceramic research assistants, traveled to Elephantine Island, Egypt, for five weeks. They dove into the rich archaeological history while exploring the current vibrancy of the Egyptian culture.
Serena Soterakopoulos '18 and Jacob Friedrich '19, student ceramic research assistants, traveled to Elephantine Island, Egypt, for five weeks. They dove into the rich archaeological history while exploring the current vibrancy of the Egyptian culture.
Research brings ancient queen’s garments back to life
When taking Dr. Leslie Warden’s Archaeology of Death class, Bella Moritz '22 became fascinated with the Sumerian queen Pu-abi. Moritz, an art history major, made it her mission to make a costume based on Pu-abi’s funerary garments. She received a Summer Scholars grant and researched the archaeological process conducted at the site of Ur, where Pu-abi’s remains were found.
Moritz explored the interactions between the materials and textiles based on archaeological evidence and completed her reconstruction of Pu-abi’s funerary garments. She wore them during History Homecoming and they went on display at Fintel Library during the 2021-22 academic year.
“I never dreamed that I would accomplish a project of this magnitude while still an undergraduate,” Moritz said. “Roanoke offers such unique opportunities for learning and exploration for undergraduate students.”
The research helped point Moritz on a professional path as well.
“Conducting this project also helped me realize that I was really passionate about the history of dress, and it inspired me to pursue a masters and a career in the museum world, specifically looking at the conservation of historical garments,” Moritz said.
> Related: Moritz '22 designs museum exhibition at Fashion Institute of Technology
News
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New research, media recognition, and a spotlight on student-faculty research. Catch up on the latest news from Roanoke College faculty.
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The awards recognize professors for outstanding work in service and teaching.
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Educators across campus are advancing research and contributing expertise to nationwide discussions.
