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. 

The program is is open to all students enrolled at Cal Poly Humboldt. The program is scheduled to begin Fall 2023. Students can count courses taken prior to, during, and after Fall 2023. 

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. 

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

Photo by Guilherme Garcia, 1999 CC BY-SA 4.0