Mar 17, 2026  
USC Catalogue 2025-2026 
    
USC Catalogue 2025-2026

Archaeology and Heritage Studies (BA)


The Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and Heritage Studies is an interdisciplinary major within the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Archaeology and heritage studies allow us to deepen our understanding of peoples and societies across space and time, in all parts of the world, while expanding our knowledge of issues relevant in contemporary society.

Students in this program gain tools to understand themselves and others in the past, present and future. Students may make discoveries in archaeology, engage in scientific analysis of ancient and contemporary materials, interpret the “stuff” and stories we live with and use to define ourselves at all scales from family to nation; work to preserve historical places, or create unforgettable exhibits in museums or experiences in virtual spaces.

The BA in Archaeology and Heritage studies enhances students’ preparation for a wide range of professional careers and/or graduate study through an emphasis on experiential learning and principled debate and consideration of what matters and why in society today and long ago. Majors strengthen their skills in critical thinking, assessing evidence and formulating clear and persuasive arguments, both oral and written. Additionally, students gain an understanding of the compliance and policy environments that promote attention to heritage in all forms, locally, nationally and globally.

Students from a wide range of disciplines gain valuable perspectives applicable to their intellectual and professional interests through the study of archaeology and heritage studies.

This compact, flexible BA program allows students to craft a path that is appropriate for their interests and enables students to explore minors or other programs at USC so that they are broadly prepared for success.  

In addition to a wide choice of elective courses, students fulfill five requirements in this 36-unit BA program. The lower-division foundation course is ANTH 202 Archaeology: Our Human Past. Students choose two upper-division courses that enable exploration of experiential and theoretical approaches; one ethics and heritage class; and a capstone course that provides exposure to the debates surrounding heritage and archaeology in contemporary society.

Lower-Division Requirement (8 units)


Required Course (4 units)


Select either one 4-unit course or two 2-unit courses from the following list (4 units):


Upper-Division Requirement (28 units)


Select one course from Ethics and Heritage (4 units)


Select three courses from either or both of the following two areas (12 units):


Cultural/Historical


Take Capstone Course (4 units):


Note:


*CORE 101g, CORE 103g and all GESM courses listed are allowed for credit by individual petition only. Contact program director or adviser.

**ANTH 481 and ARCG 305 may not be double-counted toward the degree or minor in Archaeology. 

***ARCG 490 and REL 494 may be taken multiple times and counted in either or both Theories and Methods and Upper-Division Elective distribution requirements.