Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a vital role in providing quality education to African American students, with a focus on solving social and economic challenges affecting the Black community. Over the years, some HBCUs have also been recognized for providing excellence in their anthropology and archaeology programs. The following are some of the best HBCUs for archaeology.
1. Howard University:
Howard University, located in Washington D.C., is one of the leading HBCUs for archaeology. The anthropology graduate program at Howard University offers a concentration in archaeology, where students can specialize in African-American archaeology, historical archaeology, and prehistoric archaeology. Students at Howard University benefit from their partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, which provides access to world-renowned resources and research facilities.
2. Florida A&M University:
Florida A&M University is a public HBCU located in Tallahassee, Florida. The archaeology program at Florida A&M University is offered through the environmental science program, with courses in environmental archaeology, cultural resource management, and forensic anthropology. The program emphasizes hands-on fieldwork, giving students practical experience in archaeological techniques and methods.
3. North Carolina A&T State University:
North Carolina A&T State University is a public HBCU located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The anthropology program at North Carolina A&T State University offers a concentration in archaeology, which covers topics such as archaeological method and theory, geographic information systems, and historical archaeology. The program also emphasizes research opportunities through internships and fieldwork, giving students a chance to gain practical experience in the field.
4. Tougaloo College:
Tougaloo College is a private HBCU located in Jackson, Mississippi. The anthropology program at Tougaloo College includes a concentration in archaeology, where students can learn about the history and culture of Mississippi through archaeological research. The program emphasizes community-based archaeology, where students work with local communities to identify and preserve cultural heritage sites.
Hampton University is a private HBCU located in Hampton, Virginia. The anthropology program at Hampton University offers a concentration in archaeology, where students learn about the history and culture of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay region through archaeological research. The program emphasizes hands-on fieldwork, giving students practical experience in archaeological techniques and methods.
In conclusion, HBCUs continue to provide opportunities for Black students to thrive in fields such as archaeology. The above mentioned institutions provide quality education and opportunities for research, hands-on fieldwork, and community engagement that equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the field of archaeology.
