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 The
first thing to realize about Egyptology and Egyptologists is that, while
Egyptologists almost exclusively work in the field of Egyptology, so do
others. The science of Egyptology is not exclusive to
Egyptologists, because there are other professions that are needed
in the study of ancient Egypt.
Egyptology
Interestingly, Egyptology is rarely defined
in any detail. Most books do not go into any real detail of this
science, and even when one visits the web site of major colleges that
offer degrees in it, they rarely define the science. Its easy to say
that Egyptology is the study of ancient Egypt, but that is a rather
broad definition that really does not correctly define the profession.
For example, Egyptology does not really encompass the study of Egypt
before the existence of mankind, and usually does not attempt to study
Egypt prior to about 5,000 BC, nor is it interested in the period of
time after the Arab conquest.
However, between these periods, Egyptology
covers a very wide and diverse range of studies. Egyptology investigates
the range of ancient Egyptian culture, including the people, language,
literature, history, religion, art, economics and architecture.
Egyptology is basically a history
 focused
science that evaluates ancient Egypt through the writings that are left
behind in whatever form, its artwork and archaeological discovery. From
an historical standpoint, it continues to use the chronological
framework provided initially by Manetho, an Egyptian priest living
during the time of Ptolemy I and II, who wrote a history of Egypt. It is
therefore not surprising that other professionals do sometimes become
involved in Egyptology, even though they are not Egyptologists. A very
good example might be the technicians that are currently performing CAT
scans on mummies.
Archaeologists are particularly involved in
Egyptology, though Egyptologists are also trained in and do
archaeological work. It has been said that Egyptology lies firmly
between the sciences of history and archaeology, but that is rather one
sided, because there are so many other sciences that play a part in
Egyptology. However, archaeologists are particularly involved in periods
prior to the actual dynastic period. Many others, from architects to
anthropologists, also work in the field of Egyptology, in one way or
another. Furthermore, it might be said that most of the Egyptological
work, and Egyptologists themselves, usually do not work specifically in
Egypt. While field expeditions are a rather visible and sometimes
glamorous part of Egyptology (though it also comes with a great deal of
hardships), probably much more work is carried out on the findings back
at universities and museums outside of Egypt, though of course Egypt has
some fine schools and one of the most important ancient Egyptian museums
in the world.
Egyptologists
One frequently finds terms such as "amateur"
invoked along with Egyptologist. Basically, that is because many people
enjoy studying Egyptology, and even doing research on it, but they lack
a formal education in the topic and they do not earn their living
studying the science. Egyptologists are, in some respects, not unlike
photographers, technically. If one makes their
 living studying ancient
Egypt, then they are a professional Egyptologist, irregardless of their
educational background. Unlike lawyers or doctors, a license involving a
specific education, is not absolutely required.
However, in practice, this is a wholly
different matter. Without a formal education in Egyptology, most of
those who might wish to make a living at Egyptology lack both the formal
historical education and various skills, such as reading hieroglyphics.
Furthermore, Egyptology is not a profession that can usually be
practiced independently, such as photography. One must usually draw a
paycheck from a museum, university or other organization that will
require a formal education in the field. And unlike many years ago, when
one only needed some financing to go treasure hunting in Egypt, today
the SCA (Supreme Council of Antiquities) limits excavation to recognized
organizations which are mostly museums and universities.
On the other hand, not all people with a
formal education in Egyptology actually end up being Egyptologists.
Outside of Egypt, there are few schools that offer an undergraduate
degree specifically in Egyptology, but in Egypt, many young people can
and do receive an undergraduate degree in Egyptology. Those that do not
continue their education sometimes find no work in the field, and so
while they may call themselves Egyptologists, they do not earn a living
as professionals. Others do find jobs as tour guides, but they earn
their living in this way rather than in the actual study of and research
in Egyptology.
 In reality, almost all of the Egyptologists
who do important work in the field have advanced degrees, and usually
doctorates earned from very specific schools. Formal students of
Egyptology usually begin with related undergraduate degrees, such as
history or archaeology, though a number of schools offer Egyptology
"modules" as a part of the undergraduate work, and some offer actual
undergraduate degrees in Egyptology. Interestingly, some excellent
schools, particularly outside the US, offer advanced degrees without
actually having to have an undergraduate degree.
Many of the universities that teach
Egyptology have very diverse programs and specializations, as well as
very different approaches to education in general. For example,
undergraduate studies in Egyptology in American schools are frequently
much less specific to Egyptology than in some other countries, where the
focus is almost strictly on Egyptology without the addition of more
generalized courses.
However, most schools, by the graduate
levels, provide courses that are somewhat similar in scope. Languages is
always an important part of the studies, including not only the study of
hieroglyphics in general, but various courses on specific phases of
the language, such as
 Hieratics,
and even Coptic. Many courses cover Egyptian history, with various
courses aimed at specific periods. Art is also one of the primary
focuses along with religious and cultural courses. Many generalized
programs also provide specific courses on archaeology and methods of
field work, though some programs branch out with specialties that may or
may not include much archaeological study.
Those who graduate with an advanced degree
in Egyptology will usually have a relatively limited scope of available
jobs in Egyptology. Today, very few Egyptologists are really well known.
Most work more behind the scenes in museums or universities, and it is
frankly rather rare that they get the opportunity to actually do field
work in Egypt. In fact, fresh graduates do not often even have the
chance to assist in excavations, because this work is often performed by
a more seasoned project director who uses students as assistants. In
fact, only a very few "superstars" get to work in the field all of the
time. Most of the remainder of the Egyptologists
 doing
field work in Egypt do so only during a "digging season" and then return
to a university to teach. Many of them must also secure their own
financing through contributions in order to do the work.
In reality, few graduates in Egyptology ever
find work in the field. There is no expanding job market, and one must
typically wait for someone to retire in order to find a position. Those
that finally do find a job usually work as teachers, or in some research
capacity within a museum, and with perhaps one or two exceptions, even
the best of them never become wealthy. This is why fathers and even
Egyptology professors often warn young students away from the field.
Not that there is a lack of work to be one
in the field of Egyptology. There is in fact much left to be learned,
and much to be studied, but little money available to pay for it. So
today, Egyptologists grind along, usually covered up with actual
Egyptological work mixed in with teaching assignments and even fund
raising responsibilities. For many that do get jobs, it is a difficult
life, but they do it anyway because of their love of ancient Egypt.
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