How I Became an Underwater Archaeologist

How did this happen? Here's the lowdown on my unconventional route to underwater archaeology land.

[@franciekayesabalza2782]

This inspires me

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

I’m glad! Enjoy the ride - the subject is fascinating.

[@ce6311]

I’m taking archeology. I finish college in 2 years in Canada. I’m going to st eustatius next summer for a field school.

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

@@ce6311 Great!

[@autumnl6823]

I had no clue that there was underwater archaeology!

[@RakeshSharma-vm9ku]

😁 you are my inspiration

[@kslfihfjdld2039]

Thank you for this awesome video. I just wanted to ask if you know something. If you‘re from a country without an ocean, would it still be possible to do this job by flying to other countrys?

[@77XTINA]

Just found your channel, and so glad I did! I'm about to begin my bachelor of arts at the University of New England in NSW, Australia, majoring in religious history (interest in antiquity), with a minor in archaeology, with the hopes to continue through to a phd to qualify as an archaeologist. I'm curious about you research interest of prehistoric underwater archaeology and what exactly this involves, as I'm not particularly passionate about ship wrecks. I'm very interested in ancient history, particularly religion and occultism, but I'm thinking this might be a side passion while I work as an archaeologist. Although, I'm curious how this interest in ancient civilisations becomes useful in marine archaeology. Would love to hear your thoughts! Cheers, Christina.

[@goinghomeagain4471]

@kinkellateachesarchaelogy Thank you so much for your stewardship. I just found your channel, butvbefore I found your videos I had only used my imagination on how I was gonna try to couple plant sciences/botany with history. I am interested in botany, phycology and limnology. But I am also interested in studying the history of shipwrecks. If my major is going to be plant sciences how do I get to the title of "maritime archaeologist?" Can I study science and take history or anthro courses leading into maritime archaeology or will I have to step away from science to get a degree in archeology in order to do the marine side of archeology. Again my main interest is the marine side of this profession and going into a STEM career that branches into underwater eco systems and relationships between land plants and marine plants. I see a relationship between them all. Or am I doing too much? Again thanks for your awesome videos Professor.

[@inbluwoods4022]

huh this is really interesting, I’ve always loved diving but never really thought about it as something that could be used in a career.

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Yes, there are career possibilities - you just have to be realistic about it.

[@rahafmazahreh7641]

Thank you so much for your video

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Yes, but they usually focus in lab work so they don't have to go into the field. Nothing wrong with that!

[@iaminfirebyminyoongi9000]

Hello Can somebody please help me?. I am in class 9 basically 14 year old . I am planning to be a marine Archeologist but I am very confused about which field should be take like science, arts which degree we should have or how many years it take to become one . What exactly should i do??. Plus in my surrounding there is no one who is Archeologist so no one to ask. I searched it in Google , KZbin but still can't understand so this is the only way . Hope you'll can understand what I am trying to say .

[@brentbeatty4171]

I currently work as a steel Tech at Cleveland cliffs in Weirton West Virginia. I would definitely would want to consider a career such as yours. Knowing that it will not be easy but extremely rewarding and meaningful.

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

That's cool! You can start by taking intro to archaeology classes (often local community colleges are the best for this). There will be people there with other contacts that can help.

[@brentbeatty4171]

@@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology thank you for your insight, inspiration and time

[@brentbeatty4171]

@@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology I think I might be moving back out to Colorado from West Virginia and I realize there's a lot of interest in scuba diving in Colorado also

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

@@brentbeatty4171 Cool!

[@michaelaa2439]

I'm looking to become an Underwater Archaeologist. I have been looking at BA programs the past few months and debating what major I should go for. I'm not sure whether i should apply for Archaeology or Marine Studies. Would either of them benefit me more if i was to become an underwater archaeologist or are they equally good choices? When i was reading the description for Marine Studies at the colleges I'm looking at, they both said it would prepare me for a MA program in underwater archaeology if i were to go forward in my studies, but i'm just wondering if Archaeology would be the better route?

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Tough call! For me, it would come down to the actual classes being taught. If you are a diver who likes archaeology, I’d do Marine Studies. If you are an archaeologist who dives from time to time, I’d do archaeology. I’d try to take classes from both areas no matter what! Look at the actual class list and see what you think.

[@lonzmazikhali9363]

Hi there Kinkella, how is underwater archaeology different from terrestrial archaeology, in terms of the principles and challenges?

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

The principles are the same, but the challenges are much more severe because you have to do everything underwater. It's like putting on a theater production underwater - same principle, hard challenges!

[@secrecyunit2985]

I've always loved swimming in the water whenever I'd visit my family in SoCal, or do anything water related, but I've never taken any diving classes before. Although i am more of a mountain hiking and camping kind of person, I am currently planning on visiting Santa Barbara this summer hopefully and i am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for any beginner diving diving classes to see if this is my thing?

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

I have always had good luck with PCH scuba, and also In 2 Deep diving.

[@letsnotgothere6242]

Living in NC, there should be an ok amount of local work out in the Graveyard of the Atlantic, right?

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Sorta. I wouldn’t call it full-time work, except for a small handful of people. The projects come and go.

[@bigtonythepetwasp440]

"It makes me look good..." now we know what it's about.

[@kobra4063]

Kinkella teaches archeology at what age did you do your 1st underwater diving project and is the pay good to becoming rich?

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

I did it when I was around 26 or so. There is basically no pay if it is a research project, so it’s a terrible choice to becoming rich!

[@leahfisher2451]

Hi! Engineering major here. I've recently been reconsidering my career options, and marine archaeology has always been an interest of mine. Is it possible to get into archaeology grad school with a degree other than anthro or archaeology?

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Absolutely. In my experience, you would have to get a Master’s degree instead of going straight into a PhD program (if you even wanted a PhD in the first place). I have friends who have done exactly what you are considering. Small word of warning- marine archaeology is a vanishingly small world. Make sure you like regular on-ground archaeology too!

[@xnoscronus7849]

Bro can you tell me what to select after 12th grade for becoming marine archeologist. Plzz

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

First step is to take some anthropology classes like archaeology and cultural anthropology (all under the anthropology major). Also good to get your scuba certification to see if you even like it!

[@kevinfranco8298]

I just found out about marine archeology and found it really fun looking. Is it hard to get into it? Great video by the way😁

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

It takes a lot of drive to do that kind of thing.

[@elishapablo1786]

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[@khariezekiel5830]

@Elisha Pablo Instablaster =)

[@elishapablo1786]

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[@elishapablo1786]

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[@zla4776]

This video, is indeed, not private (It’s January 1st already)

[@rachaelducharme3169]

How much vacation time do you get off as an underwater archeologist??

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

The hard part is having enough work in the first place.

[@shajithomas9686]

My ambition is to become an marine archaologist

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Do it! But go in knowing that the jobs are rare.

[@tennagames3791]

Hi! I've always been interested in prehistoric archaeology even when I was in first grade I'm 15 now and I've become even more interested in it but as well as maritime archaeology would that be possible to do?

[@tennagames3791]

I know that you talk about how you are prehistoric but you said "prehistoric underwater" but I want to the on-land prehistoric archaeology

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

That’s great! An excellent first step is to take intro to archaeology when you get to college (it’s in the anthropology department). You may have even be able to take it at a local community college once you are in 11th or 12th grade. Welcome!

[@tennagames3791]

@@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology Thank you so much!!

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

@@tennagames3791 No problem!

[@fridayrobot3923]

Is it possible for someone from chemistry or engineering background to work into archaeology field?

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Yes! Background knowledge like that is always useful. Start by taking intro to archaeology at a local community college and go from there. You can also volunteer on archaeological digs which does cost money but is worth it.

[@emilylarosa7728]

i studied anthropology and now im studying history i always wanted to be an archeologiste 💔

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Great!

[@saviochettiar9664]

sir to become a marine anthropologolist which masters degree is required?

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Depends. Archaeology-focused is key. Marine archaeology is a very small world…

[@dextoir]

Hi! I came across this video in hopes of finding someone explaining how one gets into maritime/underwater archaeology and this was definitely helpful. I was wondering if it would be possible if I could contact you via email or anything you're available on, to know more and get some advice on how to go about it. I'm 18 and confused about how, or where, to apply and go about this. Would really appreciate if I could have a few minutes of your time! :)

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

I can always answer an email about this - send to [e-mail]

[@dextoir]

@@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology thank you so much! an email is on the way

[@Eyekiller.7285]

Hii I am looking for marine archaeology...what course should I take to study this after 12th standard??? Please tell me

[@Eyekiller.7285]

Hello please reply me it's really urgent sir please

[@mropinionated2849]

I read in the comments you said jobs are rare for this. Would you have to take vacation time from your regular gig/job and go sign on for an underwater job? Im more wondering how you get to do both when the time arises to be specific. Thank you ahead of time if you respond!

[@mropinionated2849]

I would personally like to focus on prehistoric archeology either above ground or underwater but I don't know if I will have the luxury of doing that after college. I don't know how jobs are for that here in the states

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

@@mropinionated2849 In my experience, you have to be an on-ground archaeologist with a "side hustle" of underwater. Becoming a strictly underwater archaeologist is not an easy road to financial freedom (very rare). In addition, to truly be able to be an archaeologist full-time, you will ultimately need a Master's to really be able to get the full benefits of being in this field. That doesn't mean you can't get decent jobs with a BA, but there will be a glass ceiling.

[@mropinionated2849]

@@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology so I will need to aim for my masters if I want to make a decent living and get the full experience. Thank you sir

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

@@mropinionated2849 Yes, for sure. The short answer is that a master's is what you need for working in local management archaeology, and a PhD is needed for overseas/being a professor.

[@mropinionated2849]

@@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology thank you 🙏🏽 youre a large help and a positive influence. I appreciate it.

[@randallmcgrath9345]

I can see Archaeology has a bunch of people with the same personality as me 🤣.

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Welcome!

[@allsop91]

Thank you for this video - I want to make sure I've understood. To be an underwater archaeologist you need to be an archaeologist that can dive? You don't need any additional qualifications other than those in archaeology and diving? I'm currently studying for a BA in ancient history and archaeology. I'm very interested in working underwater, I was under the impression that I would need to get a masters in maritime archaeology but from what you've said that doesn't seem to be the case. Is that right? (I'm also called Andrew and want to work in Mexico and S.America... I'm pretty sure I'm just subconsciously trying to be you haha)

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

It's a complex topic. You are definitely making good choices doing your BA like you have. I would say the next step is to get your scuba certification, then see if you can work on a project with an underwater component (rare). An MA in maritime archaeology is only good for you, but it does tend to focus on historic shipwrecks.

[@slavek033]

PADI=Pay Another Dollar In

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

I know the saying, but it ain't that bad. PADI is the Toyota of the diving world.

[@meyerjac]

Got sent this by a friend. I have an Anthro BA and PADI open water. Hmm. 🤔

[@KinkellaTeachesArchaeology]

Continue forward on both!