Online Egyptology Degree Program Information

Egyptology is an interdisciplinary study of art, history, archaeology, religion, ancient writing and linguistics from ancient Egypt. While online resources exist, distance-learning degree programs aren't generally offered in the U.S. due to intensive language, field and lab components. On-campus programs provide applied training in text and artifact analysis.

Doctorate in Egyptology Overview

Typically, careers in the specialized field of Egyptology require a Ph.D. Few schools offer undergraduate and master's degree programs specifically in Egyptology, and those that do offer these as preparation for doctoral research. On-campus graduate study is available to students with bachelor's degrees in Egyptology or related subjects. Doctoral degree program applicants should be able to conduct research in French and German; they must demonstrate reading proficiency by examination.

Program Information and Requirements

Post-baccalaureate students can earn a doctorate (and potentially an additional master's degree) within five years by receiving passing scores on comprehensive and qualifying exams, completing on-campus courses and writing a dissertation of original research. Students specializing in Egyptian archaeology also participate in fieldwork.

Common Courses

Through ancient texts, students study the languages of Egyptian, Demotic and Coptic. Additional languages such as Akkadian, Sumerian, Arabic, Greek, Hebrew or Hittite are also studied in the context of the cross-cultural interactions of Egypt. A comprehensive understanding of the ancient history of Egypt is gained through interdisciplinary coursework in Near Eastern archaeology, history and art history.

Egyptian Hieroglyphs Course

Working with ancient hieroglyphic writings, students learn to translate the pictographs and ideograms with attention to grammatical structure. First-hand readings of genuine literature provide insight to the lives and history of Egyptians.

Egyptian Archaeology Course

Archaeologists have uncovered the art and architecture of ancient Egypt. A survey of discoveries is presented by historical time period from the pre-dynastic to the Roman.

Ancient Egyptian Religion Course

Major Egyptian gods are introduced in this class, as well as ancient beliefs pertaining to death and magical rituals. Analysis of ancient texts, ritual artifacts (such as amulets) and funerary architecture informs student understanding of ancient religion.

Employment Options

Graduates may find employment in research museums with collections from Egyptian. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the mean annual salary for museum curators was $52,330 in 2009. A Ph.D. is required for most faculty positions in Egyptology. In 2009, the BLS reported that the mean wage for postsecondary anthropology and archaeology teachers was $75,530 (www.bls.gov).