BA Archaeology at George Washington University

Programme overview

Archaeology majors at GW study a variety of subjects within the field, ranging from sociocultural anthropology, human cultural beginnings, and the archaeology of Africa to the classical Mediterranean, Middle East, and Mesoamerica. Students are exposed to the latest field and laboratory techniques and can take part in excavations at sites around the world. They also benefit from the DC area’s incredible resources, including the Smithsonian Institution and Dumbarton Oaks, a leading museum and research center of Mesoamerican, Andean, and Byzantine studies.

Faculty: Columbian College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Anthropology | Location: Washington, DC, United States

What you will study

The bachelor of arts with a major in archaeology is an interdepartmental program offered by the Department of Anthropology in cooperation with the Department of Arts and Art History and the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs.

Career pathways

Graduates go on to careers in archaeology, education, publishing, international development and world heritage conservation, cultural heritage management, museums, cultural heritage law, library sciences, and forensic sciences.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level admission (applies to all majors): For information about the admission process, including deadlines, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. Applications can be submitted via the Common Application. For questions visit undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/contact-us.

USD 72,000 a year (2026-27). Full-time main campus undergraduate tuition for students entering in 2026-27 in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, Elliott School, Milken Institute School of Public Health or School of Engineering and Applied Science (12-18 cr Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; transfer applications are accepted for fall and spring admission.

Early Decision I deadline is November 1 and Early Decision II is January 5 (both binding); the Regular Decision deadline is January 5. Applications use the Common Application. Transfer applications are due April 15 for fall and October 1 for spring. Testing is optional (SAT or ACT), except for BA/MD, homeschooled and narrative-evaluation applicants. BFA applicants (except Interior Architecture) submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 works through SlideRoom. The application fee is $80.

International applicants whose first language is not English submit TOEFL (minimum 90), IELTS (minimum 6.5) or PTE Academic scores.

Apply through the official page: https://undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/

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