BA in Archaeology

Welcome to the Department of Archaeology!

We are a close-knit department with dedicated faculty who have been awarded recognition for their teaching at the university and national level as well as an active alumni community. Small class sizes enable us to successfully help our students (who have joined us from 40 states including Alaska and Hawaii and from as far away as Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Oman, Japan, Nepal and the United Kingdom) to pursue their educational passions and achieve their career goals.

• We are one of only a few stand-alone archaeology departments in the nation and are unusual in that we grant a BA in archaeology, rather than anthropology or history. The archaeology major concentrates on the ancient Mediterranean, Near East, and Western Europe.
• The interdisciplinary nature of the major provides the necessary preparation to attend graduate school or enter the workforce directly. Students are offered a wide variety of classes in our program from the ever-popular Greek Mythology to Egyptian Archaeology, and Archaeology of Pompeii, as well as more experiential classes such as Greek Ceramics, Ancient Food & Drink, and Computers in Archaeology.
• Our majors have the unique opportunity to learn excavation and lab techniques at the only ongoing on-campus excavation in the nation, led by Dr. Alan Kaiser. The Tin City excavation project, begun in 2003, offers students a chance to practice archaeological field methods as well as the possibility for independent research.
• In addition, the post-excavation phase of the Jezreel Expedition offers our undergraduates the chance to work closely with Dr. Jennie Ebeling, alumni, and other professionals on research projects for possible publication. This is an experience not offered in any other undergraduate archaeology program.
• We provide our majors and minors with an exceptional opportunity to learn about historic preservation and modern architecture by working as a tour guide/docent at the campus' own historical home designed by Evansville native William Wesley Peters, who was Frank Lloyd Wright's favorite apprentice and, later, son-in-law.
• The academic profile of archaeology majors is high. Every semester, approximately 20 students make the Dean's List. Students seek out and have been awarded competitive undergraduate scholarships from the National Science Foundation, National Park Service, and UExplore Undergraduate Research. With a pool of motivated students like these, the department has produced many successful alumni who work in an array of fields.
• Our department also houses the Classical Studies Program giving students the opportunity to double major or add a minor. This field is the study of Greek and Roman cultures through the written word and archaeology classes, many taught by Dr. Pat Thomas, make up a section of the requirements.

About the University of Evansville

Established in 1854, the University of Evansville has been recognized across the globe for a rich tradition of academic excellence and a vibrant campus community. As one of fewer than 50 universities in the world to be designated an Ashoka Changemaker campus, students at UE are inspired and encouraged to create positive change and transform their own communities. UE offers more than 75 areas of study as well as impactful study abroad experiences, allowing students to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence for a successful and fulfilling future.

Rated the #1 study abroad program by BestCollegeReviews.org, UE offers a semester-long study abroad experience at Harlaxton College, located in Grantham, England. Students can continue pursuing their UE degree with the benefit of immersive experiences and intercultural learning at this countryside, Victorian manor.

Mission and Core Values

Mission Statement

To empower each student to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world.

Core Values

Integrity We promote academic and personal integrity to establish a culture of trust. Academic integrity begins with all students pledging to abide by our honor code and extends to faculty, staff and administration adhering to our code of conduct. It culminates in an expectation of professionalism, transparency, and respect in all interactions. Personal integrity includes practicing informed, ethical decision-making, and respecting the ideas, rights, boundaries, and beliefs of others. Each member of our community is accountable and prepared to act as a responsible citizen of the world.

Innovation We recognize the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, creative problem solving, global immersion, and learning experiences at home and abroad. We recognize the value of learning from failure. We have the freedom, flexibility, and motivation to create experi­ences that help our students think critically and act bravely. Each member of our com­munity is challenged to discover novel solutions to modern problems and to become a catalyst for progress.

Intellectual Curiosity We strive to develop lifelong learners. We introduce students to a variety of ideas that sharpen existing interests and awaken latent ones. We challenge students to stretch their minds while supporting them with strong faculty engagement. Research, experiential learning, and community outreach foster intellectual curiosity while exposure to new ideas and technologies broadens our students’ view of the world and what might be possible.

Inclusive Community We value openness and collaboration and recognize that inclusion leads to personal growth. Our commitment to actively fostering a diverse range of cultures and perspectives reflects the characteristics required to thrive in an increasingly global society. The universi­ty demonstrates and benefits from inclusion by welcoming all.

Education for the Whole Person We cultivate intellectual, moral, social, physical, emotional and spiritual wellness through engagement and discovery. We value the liberal arts, sciences, and professional programs as paths to intellectual and personal growth, and we encourage the integration of knowl­edge across disciplinary lines. We promote engagement in organizations, programs, and the community as essential to personal development. We equip individuals to examine their world, articulate their values, and develop the character needed to live healthy lives of meaning and purpose.

Vision Statement

The University of Evansville – a leading private university in the Midwest – is rec­ognized nationally for developing students' personal and professional competencies, cul­tivating critical and creative thinkers, and producing ethical, global citizens equipped to thrive in a world of complexity and change. We accomplish this by attracting and retaining talented and motivated students who succeed within a diverse, supportive, and sustainable environment.