I’m from Arkansas and have been researching archeology for years. It was my first love as a kid and something I shared with my father, a forest ranger. However, my parents drove me to get a BA in Information Systems instead.

Now, at 38 I’m looking at doing something that I want to do that involves being outside away from the cubicle. I started work on a MA degree in Public History as an archivist, but it involved too much time working indoors, sifting through boxes of gas records from 1920. I would rather have a job that is outside, at least some of the time, with a historical slant. From the variety of posts in this forum, it seems archeology is a hard road. I’m worried that at my age and being married, it may be too tough with all the traveling and low pay. I want to ask from those of you that have been in the field, for some advice. While I love history and the outdoors, I would also consider other fields that might have more opportunities.

At the moment, I’m looking at the following undergrad degrees: BS in Geology & Environmental Geology, BA in Anthropology, or BS in Geography. Another option that my local university has is a Master GIS degree which would involve some prerequisite work, but be a post-bachelor degree option.

Which degree option would provide opportunities, yet satisfy my desire to work in an outdoor environment and have a historical element or should I really make a go at being an archeologist?