Archaeological Field Assistant, Certificate

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Delivery

Off campus

Study options

Part-time

Open to International

Area of study

Arts & Humanities

Indigenous Education

Length

84 hours over four weeks

Offered in spring

Learn by a combination of lectures, hands on labs and field work.

Handling history with care

British Columbia's rich history can be traced back over 12,000 years through oral tradition and archaeological sites. The majority of archaeology work in the province is completed by contract archaeologists in compliance with provincial heritage legislation. Learn how to do this work in a good way.

Students gathering information oceanside

Evaluating human stories

The Archaeology Field Assistant Program is an intensive program focused on introducing the technical, academic and cultural skills required to be high-quality crew members in cultural resource management in British Columbia. The program covers the competencies required for RISC (Resource Inventory Standards Committee) certification through the provincial Archaeology Branch, through a combination of lectures, hands on labs and field work. Additionally, the program expands on these competencies to include applied learning about Indigenous perspectives regarding heritage and cultural protocols embedded in this work.

This program will prepare individuals for employment in the Cultural Resource Management industry as archaeological field assistants or for work in other resource inventory jobs, and is meant to complement other credentials such as a Bachelor of Arts.

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Program outline

What to expect

The program consists of one comprehensive course:

ARCH 190 - Archaeological Field Assistant Credits: 3

The Archaeological Field Assistant program is offered every spring. You'll learn through hands on labs and lectures, and also hear from local experts such as consultant archaeologists and Indigenous elders. Delivery models can vary, please contact the program leader for this year`s specifics. You can expect that over half of the program takes place outside and can include multi day field trips. You will also participate in a short, applied field project.

Field components of this program are physically demanding. You should be physically fit, be able to perform routine archaeological duties and be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Appropriate footwear and rain gear is necessary, and you will need to purchase a basic toolkit specified by the instructor. Full participation every day of the program is a requirement.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program

Archaeological Field Assistant Certificate

$683 (domestic)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees

Financial assistance

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards

Admission requirements

One of:

C in English 12
C in English 12 Camosun Alternative

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...