Best UC for undergrad Anthropology?

ArChaeOl0gy
Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:35:19 +0000

I plan on majoring in Anthropology with a concentration in archaeology and so far, I’ve been accepted into UCSD and UCR. I’m waiting on UCLA and UCB. If I do get accepted into UCLA and Cal, what school should I attend out of my admission selection? I know that names hold prestige, but it’s more important that I make a decision based on what program and courses appeal to me. However, I am having trouble deciding because I am most certain that I will pursue graduate school focusing on archaeology. I don’t know what I plan to do for a career, but I’m considering becoming a professor or anything involving archaeology.
It is also worth noting that my interest in archaeology mostly lies in ancient near east.
I’ve done a little research on each of their undergraduate anthropology programs and this is what I got from them:

UC Berkeley:
The courses they offer for undergraduates, especially in archaeology (labs and such), are very interesting and appealing. Supposedly it offers undergraduate research opportunities during summer focusing in archaeology and volunteer service at the Hearst Museum of Anthropology. However, I don’t know if this is the best decision for undergraduate study because it is a more research oriented university geared toward graduate students. (could be wrong, let me know!)

UCSD:
It seems like there is a lack of diversity of the courses in anthropology/archaeology each quarter with not many to choose from. Although they are appealing, I’m not sure if I will be satisfied. On the plus side, they offer archaeology fieldwork courses in the near east and an internship for archaeology and ethnography at a museum. There are possible opportunities to be involved in research at this school as well.

UCLA:
To be honest, I did research a long time ago and I remember only being interested in their graduate school for archaeology. The only thing I remember was being interested in their extension program for archaeology, but found out it was not for me. However, I know it’s possible to help in archaeology research as an undergrad (even if it’s cleaning out test tubes haha). If you’re a student currently attending UCLA as an Anthropology major please enlighten me.

UCR:
I don’t know much about UCR’s undergraduate program for anthropology, but if you’re a student please let me know.

It would be much appreciated if anyone, especially students attending these schools for anthropology, can give me advice and the pros and cons of the school’s program. Thanks