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Archaeology is the branch of anthropology that seeks to understand the diversity of cultures and societies that existed in prehistoric and historic times by examining the preserved evidence left by peoples who lived then. Archaeologists use this knowledge to explain the changes in cultures and societies that have occurred through time.
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.
At The University of Montana - Missoula students have the opportunity to learn about archaeology as part of a general education in Anthropology, or to specialize by pursuing the BA in Anthropology with an option in Archaeology or the MA in Anthropology with an option in Cultural Heritage.