Archaeology

The program’s primary learning outcomes include:

• Archaeological Field Proficiency: Mastery of modern techniques for field surveying, excavation, and documentation of archaeological sites.
• Historical Analysis: Ability to identify and analyze artifacts from various eras, including pre-historic, ancient Arabian kingdoms, and the Islamic period.
• Epigraphy and Script Mastery: Proficiency in reading and interpreting ancient inscriptions (such as Musnad and early Arabic scripts) found across the Arabian Peninsula.
• Scientific Methodology: Competence in using specialized laboratory tools and scientific methods to date and preserve organic and inorganic materials.
• Site Management: Knowledge of how to manage and protect heritage sites and prepare them for public tourism or museum display.
• Digital Integration: Ability to use modern technologies, such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and 3D modeling, in archaeological research.

• Apply critical thinking to reconstruct historical narratives based on physical evidence.
• Lead or participate in diverse archaeological teams in remote field environments.
• Communicate historical findings effectively to both the scientific community and the general public.

• Academic Qualification: A high school diploma (Science or Humanities track) with a minimum score of 85%.
• Composite Score: Final selection is based on a weighted average of:
  • 30% High School GPA.
  • 30% General Aptitude Test (Qudurat).
  • 40% Achievement Test (Tahsili).
• Age Limit: Applicants must typically be under 25 years old.
• Language: While the primary language of instruction is Arabic, some technical courses may utilize English resources.

Common First Year (CFY) – Humanities Track

First Year – First Semester

English Language Skills (Intensive Level) – 3 Credit Hours
Communication Skills – 3 Credit Hours
Computer Skills – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

Learning, Thinking, and Research Skills – 3 Credit Hours
English Language Skills (Continued) – 3 Credit Hours
Computer Skills (Continued) – 3 Credit Hours

Specialized Archaeology Curriculum

Second Year – First Semester

Introduction to Archaeology – 3 Credit Hours
Pre-history of the Arabian Peninsula – 3 Credit Hours
Archaeological Research Methods – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – Second Semester

Arabian Kingdoms – 3 Credit Hours
Islamic Era Archaeology – 3 Credit Hours
Ancient Civilizations of the Near East – 3 Credit Hours

Third Year – First Semester

Epigraphy (Inscriptions) – 3 Credit Hours
Pottery Analysis – 3 Credit Hours
Surveying and Excavation Techniques – 3 Credit Hours

Third Year – Second Semester

Field Training I (Archaeological Excavation) – 3 Credit Hours
Heritage Resource Management – 3 Credit Hours
Museum Studies – 3 Credit Hours

Fourth Year – First Semester

Field Training II (Site Management) – 3 Credit Hours
Advanced Archaeological Research Methods – 3 Credit Hours
Special Topics in Archaeology – 3 Credit Hours

Fourth Year – Second Semester

Capstone Project / Graduation Research – 3 Credit Hours
Field Training III – 3 Credit Hours
Heritage and Tourism Applications – 3 Credit Hours

Graduation Requirements

• Credit Hours: 128–136 (depending on catalog year)

• Field Work: Minimum of 8 weeks of practical field training at an approved archaeological site