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Anthropology Program

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Anthropology, the scientific study of humankind, allows students to build cross-cultural understandings through an intensive study of other cultures. Anthropology is traditionally divided into five sub-fields: cultural anthropology, archaeology, physical (or biological) anthropology, applied anthropology, and linguistics. A major in anthropology provides students with an understanding of societies and cultures throughout the world. Students majoring in anthropology are prepared to understand and work with individuals from other cultural settings, in health care, social services and public welfare agencies; or as teachers, museum curators, environmentalists, or in private industry. Students may select a BA in cultural anthropology or general anthropology, or a BS in public archaeology. Students may also combine a major in anthropology with an education major. View Program Overview.

Cultural Anthropology Concentration

Students taking the cultural anthropology concentration are introduced to three of the five anthropology sub-fields along with upper division area studies and topically focused courses. Cultural anthropology uses a comparative, cross-cultural method to understand human culture and its variations. Cultural anthropologists draw on quantitative and qualitative data in their research, based on first hand participant observation fieldwork and interviews.

Public Archaeology Concentration

The public archaeology concentration provides the basic knowledge and training necessary for careers in contract archaeology and to the study of federal, state, and local legislation protecting archaeological resources. The concentration relies heavily on cognate courses in geology and geography.

General Anthropology Concentration

The general anthropology concentration introduces students to four of anthropology's five major sub-fields: cultural, biological, archaeological, and applied anthropology. This concentration will expose students to a thorough understanding of the breadth and depth of anthropology, with an opportunity to see how anthropological ideas and methods are used to address human problems. Students will be well prepared to bring anthropological skills to the work place or to enter a broad based graduate program in anthropology.

Last Modified: September 23, 2010