BS/MS Archaeology 4+1 Program

If you're an archaeology undergraduate student considering future graduate studies, UIndy's archaeology 4+1 program may be for you. This undergraduate-to-graduate program allows you to complete the requirements for both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in archaeology in a minimum of five years. Within the degree program, you will also choose between traditional archaeology or bioarchaeology track.

Note: Students interested in graduate studies in forensics should apply to the Master of Science in Human Biology program.

How Does it Work?

Undergraduates are able to apply to the 4+1 program during their sophomore year. Those who are not accepted can reapply as juniors. Accepted students will take three hours of introductory-level graduate courses each semester during their junior year, and more advanced classes beginning their senior year (or fourth year). These courses will count toward both the undergraduate Archaeology bachelor's degree and the master's degree, allowing the 2-year master's to be finished in one year. Their fifth year will be exclusively devoted to advanced graduate classes and/or thesis research.

Format

This program is full-time, with students taking classes during the day.

Curriculum & Program Requirements

In addition to completing undergraduate requirements, students must complete 36 hours of graduate coursework in three years, beginning in their junior year. Students must develop a thesis topic in their fourth year and complete the master's thesis in their fifth year.

Want an idea of what your course load will look like? View the five-year curriculum guide

Bioarchaeology track

Bioarchaeology is the study of human remains from archaeological sites. This avenue of analysis usually pertains to the study of bones and teeth and is within the primary subfield of biological anthropology. Bioarchaeology courses include Bioarchaeology, Mortuary Archaeology, Dental Anthropology, and Human Osteology.

Traditional Archaeology track

Archaeology is the study of material remains of past populations. There are many geographic and analytical specialties within archaeology; our primary region of interest is the Eastern Woodlands of the United States. Courses include Geoarchaeology, Historical Archaeology, Graduate Field Archaeology, Seminar in Theory of Archaeology, and Soil Morphology. Various geographic and topical courses offered include Gender Archaeology, Technical Photography, and Archaeology of Eastern North America.

Admission Requirements

Interested applicants must be working toward a bachelor's degree in archaeology, and must have taken several undergraduate courses in archaeology and anthropology. To apply, you must submit the following:

  1. UIndy graduate online application
  2. Three strong letters of reference and a written statement of purpose
  3. Transcripts demonstrating excellence in science, english, and math, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. You can submit a transcript that has been downloaded from the issuing institution. You are not required to have the transcript sent directly from the issuing institution to UIndy.
  4. A personal statement describing your research interests and how you would pursue your interests in our graduate program


GRE scores are not required for undergraduates wishing to apply to the 4+1. Any UIndy sophomore or junior who meets these requirements and is in good standing with the University can apply, although it may not be possible for junior applicants to finish after their fifth year (students already begin taking graduate courses as juniors). Admitted students will meet with their advisor at the end of each semester to discuss their progress.

Program Costs

There is no application fee associated with this program. All classes taken prior to completing the bachelor's degree are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate. All classes taken after completing the bachelor's degree are billed at the graduate tuition rate. Students receive a cost savings advantage as graduate courses taken during their junior and senior years will count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees.

When can I start?

Students are admitted to the program in August. The deadline to apply for priority consideration is Feb. 15. Late applicants may be considered if space is available.

Questions?
For more information about this program, please contact Dr. Christopher Moore at 317-788-3534 or by email at moorecr@uindy.edu.