A degree in Egyptology prepares you for a career in the study of Egypt's history and culture. Learn about the programs available in Egyptology and get information on your online options, common coursework and potential career paths.
Can I Study Egyptology Online?
Programs in this field are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels; however, Egyptology programs are rare, especially in the United States, and those that do exist are predominantly campus-based. To study Egyptology, students can enroll in a bachelor's, master's or doctoral program in Egyptology, Western Asian studies or art history with an emphasis in Egyptology. Additionally, some undergraduate certificates and not-for-credit courses in Egyptology and related topics are available online.
Although online programs in Egyptology are not readily available, online resources can enhance your studies, whether campus-based or self-taught. These resources include online libraries with digital copies of historical texts, essays and literature. Some museums may allow you to view specific collections and artifacts online. You can also use free online lectures to learn about ongoing fieldwork and recent discoveries in the field.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Online degree programs in Egyptology are rare; certificate programs, non-credit courses, digital databases and lectures are available online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Admission Requirements</b></td><td> High school diploma for bachelor's degree programs; bachelor's degree and proficiency in relevant languages for master's degree programs; master's degree in a related field may be required for Ph.D. programs</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Undergraduate Courses</b></td><td> Egyptian religion and art, the Pyramid Age, Egyptian archaeology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Graduate Courses</b></td><td> Egyptian literature and civilization, pharaohs, Egyptian history, hieroglyphics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> Historian, archaeologist or Egyptologist, museum curator</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$63,100 <i>(Historians)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>3% growth <i>(Historians)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisitesForACampusBasedProgram">What are the Prerequisites for a Campus-based Program?</h3><p>Eligibility requirements for undergraduate programs in Egyptology include a high school diploma or the equivalent. As many Egyptology resources are written in French and German, a basic understanding of either language is advantageous. Prerequisites for graduate degrees in Egyptology include a bachelor's degree, an understanding of Egyptology and proficiency in French, German and an ancient language, such as Aramaic, Sumerian, Latin or Hebrew. A master's degree is not required for admission into a Ph.D. program but may be necessary for individuals who hold an unrelated undergraduate degree.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>At all levels, Egyptology courses familiarize students with the history and culture of Egypt through the study of Egyptian hieroglyphics, religion, literature and civilization. Undergraduate programs, including courses for bachelor's degrees and certificates, may cover some or all of the following topics:
</p><ul><li>Archaeology of ancient Egypt
</li><li>Egyptian magic and religion
</li><li>Introduction to hieroglyphic texts
</li><li>The Pyramid Age
</li><li>Ancient Egyptian art
</li></ul><p>Common graduate-level topics include the following:
</p><ul><li>Middle Egyptian literature
</li><li>Reading hieroglyphics
</li><li>Pharaohs
</li><li>History of ancient Egypt
</li><li>Egyptian civilization
</li></ul><h3 id="section---HowCanIUseThisDegree">How Can I Use this Degree?</h3><p>With a bachelor's degree in Egyptology, you may be eligible for entry-level positions at museums and historical associations. To become an archaeologist, museum curator or historian, however, you generally need at least a master's degree in a related field. Ph.D. holders may choose to become Egyptologists (i.e., archeologists specializing in Egypt). Egyptologists are responsible for organizing digging sites and classifying found artifacts.</p>
