Archaeology and Ancient Studies, Tracks: Ancient Studies, Archaeology, B.A.

The interdisciplinary program of archaeology and ancient studies offers students the opportunity to engage with past peoples through multiple lenses, combining visual, textual, and material evidence to generate new perspectives. By inviting students interested in material studies to think together with those working on textual materials, we highlight how knowledge is generated, providing students with the tools to conduct independent research, both in the library and in the field. Our campus serves as a natural laboratory that lets us explore diverse populations' lives and helps students construct a framework they can carry with them — to excavations in Italy or internships in law firms.

Program Features:

It is inherently interdisciplinary — perfect for students with wide-ranging interests and curiosity who want to explore the history of ancient societies and cultures.

This new major will start with "The Ancient Mediterranean Laboratory," a course that teaches students to apply principles of design thinking — which they will learn through Sweet Briar's integrated core curriculum — to explore how the ancient world can provide solutions to contemporary problems.

In addition to emphasizing connections between multiple disciplines that focus on studying the ancient world, coursework in both archaeology and the ancient studies tracks integrates elements from various disciplines, including environmental science, engineering, history, psychology, and visual studies.

On-campus natural laboratory of historical materials, including a slave cemetery, plantation house, out-buildings, a slave cabin, and 20th-century middens

Professional archaeologists with research expertise in classical and historical archaeology in Italy, the Near East, Romania, and the Americas

Field, laboratory, and museum training and opportunities both on and off-campus. Students have completed internships and field studies in North America, Greece, Italy, Japan, and Kazakhstan.

The international component that addresses issues such as cultural heritage and patrimony

As a contributing member of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Sweet Briar offers archaeology and ancient studies majors the opportunity to study abroad for a summer and apply to the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies Rome or the College Years in Athens.

Job Opportunities:

Recent graduates have obtained jobs in cultural resource management and historical museums.

Admission to graduate programs in anthropological archaeology, classical studies, law, and historic preservation

Sweet Briar College (SBC) prepares women (and at the graduate level, men) to be productive, responsible members of a world community. It focuses on personal and professional achievement through a customized educational program that combines the liberal arts, preparation for careers, and individual development. The faculty and staff guide students to become active learners, reason clearly, speak and write persuasively, and lead with integrity. They create an educational environment that is both intense and supportive and where learning occurs in many different venues, including the classroom, the community, and the world.

We’ve been making history since our earliest days. Our alumnae have been political leaders, doctors and veterinarians, scientists, innovators, and disruptors. They’re community leaders and decision-makers. They’re generous and determined. Our women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing. When our students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go from here, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead.

Sweet Briar College is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive, nurturing environment that respects individual choice and difference.

Sweet Briar College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts in Teaching.