The Maritime Archaeology Certificate provides background information and foundational knowledge in maritime history and archaeology. The certificate will help prepare for graduate education in this field. Upon completion, students will have diving qualifications and basic maritime archaeological skills to assist in maritime archaeological projects.

Classes are offered through the Department of Anthropology and the School of Applied Health. If you are a degree-seeking Cal Poly Humboldt student, note that required courses also meeting most qualifications for the Scientific Diving Minor, and thus we do recommend that students declare and earn the minor at the same time.

Certificate Requirements (19 units):

• REC 252 - Diving First Aid, Introduction to HSU Diving (1 unit)
  
• REC 262 - Beginning SCUBA (4 units)
• REC 362 - Master Diver (4 units)
• REC 471 - Scientific Diving (4 units)
• Prerequisite (0-1 units): HED 120- Responding to Emergencies - CPRFPR (1 unit) OR Current equivalent certification

Complete a minimum of 7 units selected from the following list: 

• ANTH 350 - Method & Theory in Archaeology (4 units)
• ANTH 354 - Cultural Resource Management (4 units)
• ANTH 357 - Field Archaeology (3 units)
• ANTH 359 - Special Topics in Archaeology (1-4 units, topic approved in consultation with advisor)

Learning Outcomes

Students completing this certificate will:

1. Identify interactions and relationships between people and maritime environments.
2. Discuss the relevance of maritime heritage to present-day policy and social issues such as climate change, historical preservation, and cultural practices.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and application of the scientific method to topics relevant to maritime heritage.
4. Demonstrate skills necessary to successfully communicate, collaborate, and consult with communities, partners, and stakeholders while conducting maritime heritage studies.
5. Explain the importance of recognizing tribal sovereignty and authority, and the importance of consulting and collaborating with indigenous communities, while conceiving of and conducting archaeological studies.
6. Apply practical diving skills to support sub-aquatic research, education, and recreational activities with a focus on diver safety and proficiency in California.

Note that due to the scaffolded nature of the courses, the certificate will commonly take a minimum of three to four semesters to complete. 

How to earn the certficate

1. Contact the Anthropology Department and speak with an advisor.
2. Check the course rotation and catalog to help plan for when you will take the needed courses. Keep in mind that some dive courses must be completed in a specific sequence.
3. Apply for the certificate. List the Anthropology Department Chair n the program leader spot on the form.
4. Complete the courses - update the application for the certificate if any courses differ than what was on the initial application.

*If you are a degree-seeking student enrolled at Cal Poly Humboldt, no extra steps are needed.

*If you are not currently a degree-seeking student at Cal Poly Humboldt, you may still earn the certificate by enrolling in the necessary courses using the the "open university" policy, if seats are open. Non-degree-seeking students may be able to count some courses taken previously, for example while completing a degree at Cal Poly Humboldt.

*Equivalent courses taken outside of Cal Poly Humboldt (typically up to 25%) may count towards the certificate. 

For more information, please see the University Catalog contact the Anthropology Department at anth@humboldt.edu 

Photo by Guilherme Garcia, 1999 CC BY-SA 4.0