Globally Diverse Humanity

Anthropology is the study of human cultural and biological diversity and change. It tries to answer such questions as:

  • How do different cultures interact with and influence one another in a global society?
  • How do cultures in the past and present change?
  • What social and cultural circumstances predictably generate similar cultural responses to phenomenon?
  • What is common among all humans, where and how did humans evolve, and how are humans continuing to evolve?

Anthropologists apply the field's methods and accumulated knowledge on cultures (past and present) to help people address important social issues. In the past, many anthropologists studied only non-Western cultures. Today, anthropologists work in all social and global contexts, both rural and urban. 

About the Program

Anthropology is the global study of humans, past and present, emphasizing cultural diversity and change. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology are prepared to understand and function in a diverse world and gain practice in applying knowledge and methods for researching, past and present human communities.

Our Academic Programs

Undergraduate

The Anthropology Major grounds students in Cultural Anthropology while enabling emphasis in one or more traditional subfields.

  • Cultural Anthropology
    Cultural Anthropology is the study of cultural diversity, global forces of change connecting communities, the meanings behind cultural practices, and applying knowledge and methods to explain and solve human problems.
  • Physical/Biological Anthropology
    Physical/Biological Anthropology is the study of the diverse ways in which humans have evolved and continue to adapt to their environments through the mutual interaction of biology and culture.
  • Linguistic Anthropology
    Linguistic Anthropology is the study of human language use, diversity, and change emphasizing how people understand relationships to the world and each other through shared meanings.
  • Archaeology
    Archaeology is the study of past human cultures through the patterns and changes in material objects they leave behind (homes, tools and other technologies, animal and plant remains, etc.).

For additional information about program and graduation requirements and course descriptions, please see the Catalog. You can also plan your program of study using the Anthropology degree planner [PDF].

Graduate

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Cultural Museum Studies (CMS) provides foundational training for professional engagement with the selection, conservation, interpretation, and exhibition of inanimate and living collections.

Special attention is given to the cross-cultural analysis, application, and assessment of the various ways “research exhibit-and-presentation” dynamics affect display design in museums and related institutions and the pedagogical dimension of museological theory and practice.

A flexible curriculum allows for individualized specializations in various aspects of museology, from the ecological impact on definitions of cultural heritage to the application of virtuality to exhibition procedures. 

For additional information about program and graduation requirements and course descriptions, please see the Catalog. You can also plan your program of study using the Cultural Museum Studies degree planner.

Student Involvement

Students may also engage in the following opportunities to enhance undergraduate experience:

  • Hands-on research in Cultural Anthropology, Physical/Biological Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Archaeology.
  • Scholarly conference presentations through guided preparation
  • Study and research abroad
  • Archaeology Field School to prepare students for employment 

Recent Anthropology Majors have found entry-level positions in the following areas: Museums & Libraries; Non-Profits and/or NGOs; Media & Film; Public Relations; Social and/or Health service; Cultural Resource Management; Animal Care/Training; Parks, Recreation, & Conservation; Laboratory research; Human Resources; Advertising & Marketing; Hospitality industry; Public Policy; Forensic Investigations; and Biometrics

Lambda Alpha

The Anthropology Honors Society's goal is to provide a setting for anthropology students to explore resources for academic excellence, recognize achievement in the discipline, and organize activities of professional interest.

Our Awesome Alumni

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology boasts an amazing group of alumni from a variety of its programs. Some of these brilliant students are highlighted on our Alumni & Friends page.

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Contact Us

Undergraduate

Dr. Brad Ensor
Associate Professor of Anthropology

[email protected] 

 

Graduate

Dr. Liza Cerroni-Long
Professor of Anthropology

[email protected]