There are several Christian schools in various states that offer programs in the field of archaeology. These schools are affiliated with a few different denominations and are unique in size and other factors. Compare and contrast a handful of the Christian schools that offer archaeology.
School Comparison
The 4-year Christian schools that offer archaeology programs can be found in states like California, Tennessee and Indiana. Learn about the denomination and tuition rates of some of these schools below.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Tuition (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheaton College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Undenominational | Wheaton, IL | $37,700 |
| Southern Adventist University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Seventh Day Adventist | Collegedale, TN | $22,520 |
| La Sierra University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Seventh Day Adventist | Riverside, CA | $33,570 |
| Mercyhurst University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Erie, PA | $40,170 |
| University of Evansville | 4-year, private not-for-profit | United Methodist | Evansville, IN | $37,466 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Description of the Christian Colleges that Offer Archaeology
Archaeology degree programs typically provide students with hands-on learning experiences that vary among schools. Students considering these programs at Christian colleges may also want to know what spiritual growth opportunities are available on campus. Find out some of these details for a few of the Christian colleges that offer archaeology.
Wheaton College
Illinois' Wheaton College had about 2,401 undergraduate students in 2018, per the NCES. The college offers a unique Biblical archaeology major and Master of Arts (MA) in Old Testament Archaeology degree program. Students in the undergraduate program complete a capstone experience and can apply for summer excavation experiences through Wheaton in Israel. Students in the master's program have access to the Wheaton Archaeology Museum and laboratory and participate in archaeological research at the excavations at Tel Shimron. Undergraduate students can participate in chapel services and discipleship ministries to grow in their faith, while graduate students can attend chapel services specifically for graduate students and graduate student ministries, such as discipleship groups.
Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University in Tennessee offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in archaeology that prepares students for graduate study. Students applying to the program must decide between Near Eastern or classical studies as their concentration and later participate in archaeological fieldwork and the Middle East Study Tour. In 2018, the university had a little over 2,531 undergraduates, according to the NCES. The school's Chaplain's Office has a variety of ministries aimed at helping students grow in their faith, including discipleship ministries, Life Groups, worship services, missions opportunities and outreach programs, like West Side for Jesus that serves families in the local community.
La Sierra University
La Sierra University, located in California, had about 1,825 undergraduates in 2018, per the NCES. Spiritual life on campus consists of outreach and missions opportunities, weekly chapel and worship services and Connection Groups (small groups). The university has a BA in Archaeology that allows students in the program to participate in large archaeology projects in Jordan. Students also have access to the school's large collection of jewelry, pots and other Biblical-era artifacts.
Mercyhurst University
Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania offers a BA in Anthropology and Archaeology, a BA Archaeology concentration and a Bachelor of Science (BS) Archaeology concentration, all of which include extensive hands-on training and mentoring opportunities. Students in these programs must complete intermediate levels of a foreign language. The school also has a Master of Science (MS) Anthropology/Archaeology concentration to prepare students for a career or doctoral study in the field. Students wishing to develop their faith can attend student-led retreats, chapel services, outreach programs and fellowship groups. According to the NCES, the university had a little over 2,381 undergraduates in 2018.
University of Evansville
Indiana's University of Evansville had close to 2,243 undergraduate students in 2018, per the NCES. The university has a BA in Archaeology that focuses study on Western Europe, Mediterranean and Near East. Students in the program can study abroad and/or participate in excavations in various locations, such as Jezreel in Israel or the university's own Tin City. Religious life on campus includes worship services, small groups, interfaith and global experiences and spiritual organizations, like Student Christian Fellowship, Young Life and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
