The major in Archaeological & Environmental Sciences engages students in the study of scientific approaches that illuminate human interaction with environments in the past. By integrating perspectives and methods from both the natural and social sciences, students gain a well-rounded understanding of the deep history of human modifications of the environment and a deep-time perspective on sustainability. The degree allows students to accumulate considerable scientific expertise in an area, or multiple areas, of their choice, building upon a broad background in basic chemistry, biology, and data analysis methods. A capstone seminar and research opportunities with faculty from both the Archaeology program and Department of Earth & Environment allow students majoring in Archaeological & Environmental Sciences to apply their knowledge to real-world problems of the present day, preparing them for graduate study (for example, in environmental archaeology, archaeological sciences, environmental or sustainability studies, or paleoenvironmental sciences) or professional employment (in environmental or archaeological consulting, laboratory work, nonprofit organizations, or with local, state, and federal agencies).Learning OutcomesStudents graduating with a major in Archaeological & Environmental Sciences are able to:Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts and specific topics in biological, environmental, earth, and climate sciences that inform the study of past environments on Earth and human interactions with them.Understand the application, and limits, of problem‐solving tools from the earth and environmental sciences to represent, organize, and assess information.Appropriately and ethically apply methods of archaeological analysis to material remains common to archaeological data sets.Identify and quantitatively analyze data in order to critically evaluate scientific arguments related to the study of human interactions with environmental systems.Incorporate core knowledge of both archaeological and environmental science methods and theory to synthesize scientific data to solve complex problems and evaluate contemporary debates concerning the understanding of the human role in environmental change, past and present.Communicate these understandings clearly and persuasively, orally, in writing, and through digital means of data presentation and storytelling.
