MANSFIELD, Pa. – The Mansfield University Department of
Geosciences has announced the addition of a concentration in geoarchaeology
within the bachelor of science in geosciences degree, the first program of its
kind in Pennsylvania.
The geoarchaeology concentration is active and ready for
enrollment now.
Geoarchaeology is the application of earth science methods
and concepts to address questions about past human activity.
Students will study traditional earth science subjects such
as soils, geomorphology, geology, and the physical landscape, then apply this
knowledge to address questions regarding past human settlement, ancient
landscape, and climate reconstructions. The program offers opportunities to develop
and apply hands-on skills in both field and laboratory environments.
“We are very excited to offer this new program in which
students use knowledge of earth sciences such as soil science, river systems,
and others, to reconstruct past human activities and interactions with the
natural world” said Dr. Linda Kennedy, associate professor in the Department of
Geosciences. “Mansfield University’s location provides us with a bounty of
outdoor classroom opportunities to investigate prehistoric Native American and
early American settlement in the region in addition to traditional earth
sciences.”
The program prepares students for entry-level positions in
the cultural resource management sector, which includes private consulting
firms and state and federal governmental departments, or to pursue advanced
degrees at the graduate level.
The program is unique in that it draws upon the Pennsylvania
State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) ethos of systemness with a collaboration
through the IUP Anthropology Department. Mansfield University students enrolled
in the geoarchaeology concentration are required to complete two classes (nine
credits) through IUP. ANTH 315 (North American Archaeology) will be conducted through
remote classroom experience and the 6-credit field school (ANTH 320) is offered
at IUP during the summer.
“The partnership between IUP Anthropology and Mansfield
Geosciences builds on the strengths of both departments to prepare students to
work in the billion-dollar cultural resources management industry,” Dr. Ben
Ford, chairperson of the IUP Department of Anthropology. “This is a natural
partnership given IUP’s strengths in geoarchaeology and applied archaeology,
and Mansfield’s dedication to preparing Geoscience majors for a variety of
jobs. IUP Anthropology is very excited to begin this partnership.”
Job posting analytics conducted by MU for Pennsylvania and
New York predict a job growth of 15.6% over the next 10 years for
archaeologists and anthropologists.
The Mansfield University bachelor of science in geosciences degree
program also offers concentrations in environmental science, geology, outdoor
recreation leadership, and watershed management.
To learn more about the geosciences and the geoarchaeology
program at Mansfield University, visit https://www.mansfield.edu/majors-and-minors/geosciences/
