The archaeological study of the human past cross-cuts the humanities, natural sciences, physical sciences and social studies, offering an ideal platform for fostering a lifelong appreciation for interdisciplinary perspectives and collaboration. Archaeology is fundamentally interdisciplinary and an array of biological, chemical, and physical applications permeate archaeological research. Faculty in many departments at the University of Georgia campus share a common interest in archaeology from diverse perspectives as do undergraduate students majoring in Anthropology, Art, Biological Sciences, Classics, Ecology, Forest Resources, Geography, Geology, and other programs. The goal of the Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Certificate Program in Archaeological Sciences (CPAS) is to encourage students to explore the interdisciplinary scope of archaeology by taking courses from several disciplines beyond their own majors. The CPAS is designed to allow students with a common interest in archaeology but with different backgrounds, skills, and interests to broaden their experience by taking courses in topics with archaeological applications that may be new to them. Upon completing the Certificate, students will: have demonstrated proficiency in scientific methods in the archaeology sciences in the classroom, in laboratory exercises, and in the field; know some of the cultural contexts for the application of archaeological sciences; know basic principles of archaeological theory; and know how to evaluate relevant data derived from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. In addition, the CPAS provides students with an important credential that documents the extra effort they made to be prepared for public or private sector employment in archaeology or for an advanced degree in one of the archaeological sciences.
