Geoarchaeology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Geoarchaeology is an interdisciplinary field that integrates advanced earth science methodologies with archaeological inquiry to uncover the environmental and geological contexts of human history. By analyzing sediments, landforms, and past climates, researchers reconstruct ancient landscapes and understand how environmental changes influenced human behavior, settlement patterns, and cultural development across time.
- Anthropology: Explores the biological, cultural, and social dimensions of human evolution and adaptation, providing foundational context for interpreting archaeological findings.
- Geology: Applies principles of rock and mineral analysis to determine the age, origin, and deposition history of archaeological sites and surrounding landscapes.
- Sedimentology: Focuses on the study of sediment layers and their formation processes to interpret site formation mechanisms and environmental conditions at the time of deposition.
- Paleoclimatic Reconstruction: Utilizes proxy data from soil, ice cores, and lake sediments to model past climate conditions and assess their impact on human societies.
- Site Taphonomy: Investigates the physical and chemical changes that affect archaeological remains after deposition, helping distinguish natural processes from human activity.
- Archaeology: Engages with material culture, artifact analysis, and stratigraphic excavation to interpret human behavior and societal development through physical evidence.
- Ancient Civilizations: Examines the rise, development, and interaction of early human societies within their environmental and geological settings.
Geoarchaeology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Geoarchaeology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Geoarchaeology degrees, including Managers, All Other, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other and Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 721,330 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 19-2042 | $99,240 | $58,790 - $178,880 | 22,510 | $47.71 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1061 | $95,770 | $51,380 - $169,090 | 5,260 | N/A |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other 25-1069 | $75,040 | $45,280 - $176,350 | 17,540 | N/A |
| Anthropologists and Archeologists 19-3091 | $64,910 | $44,510 - $104,510 | 8,070 | $31.21 |
Geoarchaeology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $71,010 in Arkansas to $126,640 in Delaware—a 78% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, District of Columbia, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 721,330 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Geoarchaeology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Geoarchaeology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Geoarchaeology is found at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) (5 graduates), Boston University (BU) (2 graduates), and Missouri State University, Springfield (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 8 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Moorhead, Minnesota | Public | mnstate.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
1 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Geoarchaeology programs
How much can I earn with a Geoarchaeology degree?
Salaries for Geoarchaeology graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn around $100,340. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $126,640 compared to $71,010 in Arkansas. Approximately 721,330 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Geoarchaeology programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Geoarchaeology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) (5 graduates), Boston University (BU) (2 graduates), and Missouri State University, Springfield (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Geoarchaeology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, and Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers. Related occupations employ approximately 721,330 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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