Diving related careers

[kylejones982]

Hi im about to go to college and want a career in diving. Dream job would be something to do with archaeology and exploration. Where can i apply that has programs related or good for diving

 

[tbone1004]

East Carolina Univ has a very big underwater archaeology program.

Home Page | Maritime Studies Program

 

[Colliam7]

Hi im about to go to college and want a career in diving. Dream job would be something to do with archaeology and exploration. Where can i apply that has programs related or good for diving

Tbone has suggested a good start. We are fortunate in NC that we have a 'history rich' coast, with a substantial number of shipwrecks, so in-state institutions are often in the forefront of our thinking, when we suggest opportunities. In addition to the ECU program, you may wish to consider universities with active marine biology programs - UNC-Wilmington comes to mind (as does UNC-Chapel Hill), and also think about programs that offer degree training in Oceanography, such as Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. You can consult various online listings of US educational institutions that offer such programs, in marine biology (US Schools offering Marine Biology degrees ~ MarineBio.org) or oceanography (Top Oceanography Schools - Find Colleges & Degree Programs), to provide a starting point.

Advice coming from someone who is involved in underwater archeology may be useful, so if you haven't already read this webpage (How to Become an Underwater Archaeologist | The Art of Manliness), I would suggest it. Don't let the general title of the webpage put you off, it actually has some good information.

One thing that comes out of that website is the fact that anyone who wants to have even a chance to become professionally involved, in a meaningful way, in underwater endeavors, is best-positioned by developing both excellent diving skills, and skills related to the competent participation in the conduct of underwater science. Having formal training in Scientific Diving, for example, is not something that should be overlooked, and you might wish to consult the AAUS listing of educational institutions in the US who offer training in scientific diving: Organizational Members - American Academy of Underwater Sciences. While having formal academic training does not guarantee any particular career success, keep in mind that you 'dream job' is probably also the 'dream job' of quite a few other people. And, the ones with the best training, the best skills, the best credentials are generally the ones who are most likely to get the best opportunities.

People often come to their careers in a somewhat indirect way. For example, Robert Ballard's formal academic training was in marine geology, but he used that initial educational platform, and some thoughtful career planning (including ROTC training), to ultimately become one of the better known marine archeologists in the world today. So, there is not one, and only one, 'RIGHT' way to prepare. But, preparation beats lucky accident most of the time.

 

[KevinNM]

This is hard. Harder than you probably think. There is currently a significant oversupply of PhDs in a lot of fields, so many spend years as adjuncts making very little and no security at all. Their are good jobs like that out their, but look into the number of graduates per year vs jobs per year. Reasearch this a lot before jumping into the graduate school pipeline. Talk to as many successful people as you can and figure out what schools, professors and programs seem to work. If you want someone to talk to about this Sam Meacham (smeach@gue.com) had a national geographic program done on his underwater archeology work in Mexico. Quintana Roo Underwater Cave Project, Sam Meacham, Waitt Grants, Information, Facts -- National Geographic

 

[Kevrumbo]

Hi im about to go to college and want a career in diving. Dream job would be something to do with archaeology and exploration. Where can i apply that has programs related or good for diving

• Scripps, with the oldest research diving program in the country, pioneered the use of self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) in research diving. Scripps established the country’s first scientific diving standards and the first non-military scuba training program in 1951.
  
  The Scientific Diving Program at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is one of the oldest, largest, and most active science support programs of its kind in the United States. The program trains and supports more than 150 scientists, students, technicians, and volunteers in the use of underwater techniques and technology necessary to safely conduct their research in underwater environments.
  Scripps's Scientific Diving Program, empowered by the Scientific Diving Control Board, establishes and ensures compliance with the standards outlined in the Scripps/UC San Diego Manual for Diving Safety. These policies govern all aspects of scientific and aquarium diving operations for those affiliated with Scripps/UC San Diego and the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Through the promulgation of effective standards, thorough training, and broad science support and oversight the Scripps Scientific Diving Program promotes diving safety and scientific productivity.
  Scripps Oceanography is a founding member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences and remains an organizational member in good standing. Adherence to AAUS standards facilitates collaboration between member institutions as qualifications and authorization are recognized through a process of reciprocity.
  
  https://scripps.ucsd.edu/scidive

 

[highdesert]

You might also check out Florida Atlantic University.

 

[John A Lewis]

Then there's Texas A&M for nautical archaeology.

Nautical Archaeology at Texas A&M University

 

[Basking Ridge Diver]

No one mentioned and although maybe not full time - Coast Guard and Naval Academies could be an option as well.