Overview
The MPS Underwater Archaeology track (UARCH) is minimally a two-year program that focuses on the theory, underwater cultural heritage management, and data collection techniques necessary to work within the field of archaeology and the broader general field of marine sciences. Coursework integrates topics such as archaeological epistemology, site mapping and modeling, interpretation of shipwrecks and submerged sites, best management practices, marine protected areas, and marine geophysical technology and survey. UARCH students receive training as AAUS Science Divers during their first semester. Students will have opportunities to work side-by-side with professional archaeologists through internships and field projects with private, public, or non-governmental agencies, both nationally and internationally, and conduct relevant fieldwork.
Admission Requirements
Prerequisites:
- BA/BS in Anthropology, History, or related field
- Meet minimum RSMAS diving standards as outlined by the RSMAS Dive Office
- Minimum open water scuba certification from a nationally accredited dive training agency
- Certified divers with more than 50 logged dives, especially those with prior scientific diving training, may qualify for the Experienced Diver Checkout and not be required to take RSM 600
Recommended:
- Participation in an archaeological field school prior to commencing the UARCH program
- Volunteer for terrestrial archaeological projects
- Ability to write professionally
Note to students: Deficiencies in required coursework may be considered on a case-by-case basis for otherwise highly qualified students or those demonstrating experience with these skills.
All application requirements are available here.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RSM 600 | Introduction to Research Diving Techniques | 3 |
| RSM 667 | Motorboat Operator Certification Course 3 | 1 |
| EVR 614 | Underwater Site Mapping and Visualization Techniques | 3 |
| EVR 615 | Marine Geophysical Survey and Technology | 3 |
| EVR 632 | Theory and Method in Underwater and Maritime Archaeology | 3 |
| EVR 626 | Submerged Cultural Resource Management | 3 |
| EVR 660 & EVR 661 | Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory | 3 |
| EVR 672 | The Archaeology of Seafaring | 3 |
| EVR 691 | Maritime Archaeology Field Study | 3 |
| EVR 692 | Archaeological Study of Submerged Pre-Contact Sites | 3 |
| Maritime Archaeology and the Conquest of Mexico 2 | ||
| EVR 805 | MPS Internship 1 | 2-6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 31 | |
- 1
Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits required during a student's time in MPS. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by MPS Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS.
- 2
Based upon availability
- 3
RSM 667 is preferred, but RSM 664 may substitute
Elective Options
Students may take any elective on the RSMAS campus with the consent of their faculty advisor. Below are a few examples of courses past students in this program used as electives.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EVR 610 | Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement | 3 |
| EVR 616 | Ocean Policy | 3 |
| EVR 618 | Coastal Zone Management | 3 |
| EVR 635 | Oceans of Thought: Exploring Marine and Environmental Literature | 3 |
| EVR 664 | Citizen and Participatory Science | 3 |
| EVR 665 | Science and Natural History Media Production | 3 |
| EVR 674 | Theoretical Practical Issues in Exploration Science | 3 |
| EVR 710 | International Ocean Law and Governance | 3 |
| EVR 720 | Coastal Law and Policy | 3 |
| MBE 716 | Bayesian Statistics for Marine Scientists | 3 |
| OCE 606 | Introduction to Ocean Remote Sensing | 3 |
| OCE 707 | Advanced Ocean Remote Sensing | 3 |
| RSM 646 | Presentation Boot Camp | 1 |
Suggested Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| EVR 626 | Submerged Cultural Resource Management | 3 |
| EVR 632 | Theory and Method in Underwater and Maritime Archaeology | 3 |
| EVR 660 & EVR 661 | Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory | 3 |
| RSM 600 | Introduction to Research Diving Techniques | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| EVR 614 | Underwater Site Mapping and Visualization Techniques | 3 |
| EVR 615 | Marine Geophysical Survey and Technology | 3 |
| EVR 672 | The Archaeology of Seafaring | 3 |
| RSM 667 | Motorboat Operator Certification Course | 1 |
| Elective (Optional) | ||
| Credit Hours | 10 | |
| Summer | ||
| EVR 691 | Maritime Archaeology Field Study | 3 |
| Maritime Archaeology and the Conquest of Mexico 2 | ||
| EVR 805 | MPS Internship 1 | 1-6 |
| Credit Hours | 4-9 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| EVR 692 | Archaeological Study of Submerged Pre-Contact Sites | 3 |
| EVR 805 | MPS Internship 1 | 1-6 |
| Elective (Optional) | ||
| Credit Hours | 4-9 | |
| Spring | ||
| EVR 805 | MPS Internship 1 | 1-6 |
| Elective (Optional) | ||
| Credit Hours | 1-6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 31-46 | |
- 1
Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits required during a student's time in MPS. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by MPS Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS.
- 2
Based upon availability
Mission
Underwater archaeology is the study of the remains of past human activity through the exploration, documentation, and study of a variety of submerged sites, from shipwrecks to caves and springs to lakes and rivers. The Underwater Archaeology track helps students understand how archaeological sites and artifacts can play a large role in education, community cohesion, national identity, economic development, sustainable tourism, conservation, and, of course, entertainment among others. This program focuses on the theory, field techniques, and management practices necessary to work within the field of archaeology and the broader general field of marine sciences. This program provides training in the areas of mapping and documentation, interpretation of shipwrecks and submerged sites, best management practices, marine protected areas, and marine survey technology.
Goals
Students in the MPS Underwater Archaeology track (UARCH) will learn the theories, field techniques, and management strategies necessary to work on a variety of submerged fresh and saltwater sites.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students in the MPS Underwater Archaeology track (UARCH) will learn site mapping and documentation, interpretation of shipwrecks and submerged sites, best management practices, marine protected areas, and marine survey technology to effectively apply these skills and knowledge to submerged fresh and saltwater sites.
- Students will demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of field and lab work during their internships.
- Students will submit a final, written study (between 65 – 120 pages) and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.
