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The Department of Anthropology

CULTURAL HERITAGE

Cultural Heritage and Cultural Resource Management are closely related to Archaeology, but are broader in scope. These fields encompass all efforts to preserve and understand the cultural diversity of the past and of modern times. This includes not only the preservation and examination of archaeological sites, but also efforts toward the preservation of sacred properties, languages, oral histories and traditions, and related aspects of cultures. Cultural Heritage also includes educating the public about cultures of the present and past in a variety of ways including museums.

Cultural Heritage Photo
Montana students excavating a 2,000 year old hearth along the Yellowstone River in Summer, 2007. Photo credit: Doug MacDonald

At The University of Montana – Missoula, students have the opportunity to learn about cultural resource management as part of a general education in anthropology, or to specialize by pursuing the BA in anthropology with an option in archaeology. Graduate students can also take the Cultural Heritage Option to earn the M.A. or Ph.D. degree in anthropology while focusing on methods and theories related to preserving the culture, heritage, and diversity of all peoples. It is designed to produce professionals in the many areas of culture heritage preservation who are firmly grounded in the fundamentals of anthropology. Montana graduates typically are employed by universities, state historic preservation offices, tribal historic preservation offices, federal agencies, and cultural resource management consulting companies.

Resources in Cultural Heritage