Archaeology and Heritage Studies (BA)

Laurier’s Archaeology and Heritage Studies (BA) program offers cutting-edge training in excavation techniques, alongside advanced laboratory analysis methods. You'll gain experience working with Indigenous, descendant and local communities to preserve cultural heritage. Your future professors will share their expertise in New World and Ancient Mediterranean archaeology, preparing you with modern field and analytical techniques. 

This program emphasizes contemporary methods within the broader context of heritage conservation and preservation, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Field School
    Experience hands-on archaeological exploration through our four field schools, which rotate every two years. Right now we’re partnered with: 16th/17th-century Wendat (Huron) village, Biblical Town of Nebo (Khirbat al-Mukhayyat) in Jordan, Minoan palace of Gournia in Crete, and Old Fort Erie, a War of 1812 site.
  • Research and Internships
    Engage in research at field schools and contribute to projects that may lead to publications and conference presentations. Additionally, apply for a three-month internship with the Canadian Institute in Greece, located in Athens, a hub for archaeological research.
  • Study and Live in Wales
    Graduate with a BA from Laurier and a Master of Arts (MA) from Cardiff University in Wales, gaining invaluable international experience through this exciting new five-year pathway program. Build career-ready knowledge and skills in archaeology while studying in both Canada and the UK.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!): 

  • Dig into History Abroad
    Gain hands-on experience through advanced spring and summer fieldwork courses at archaeological sites in places like Jordan and Greece. To support your journey, Laurier offers financial awards to help fund overseas excavation opportunities, making international fieldwork more accessible. 
  • Capstone Projects and Specializations
    Pursue diverse interests in your fourth-year capstone project, ranging from underwater archaeology to educational approaches.
  • Instructional Experience
    In your final years, apply for instructional assistant positions in archaeology labs and field courses to gain teaching experience and deepen your expertise. 
  • Global and Cultural Engagement
    Complete the Intercultural Certificate with Global Engagement and work with Cultural Management firms on archaeological assessments of land under development during summer.

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses 

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses, and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • archaeological site surveyor
  • artifact analyst
  • collections curator
  • crime scene investigator
  • field archaeologist
  • forensic analyst
  • GIS specialist
  • historical preservation specialist
  • underwater archaeologist
  • urban planner

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

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Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

You can complete your program primarily through in-person courses where you will attend classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses. 

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?