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Major: Anthropology

Anthropos and logia are Greek words for human and study─anthropology. Are you interested in the study of human beings? As an anthropology student, you’ll learn about human biology, behavior, and evolution and explore what makes people distinct in their language, culture, and attitudes.

Anthropologists work to: 

  • Design community-based programs for nonprofits.
  • Identify the origins of human remains while working in academia, law enforcement, or museums. 
  • Understand how products and services impact consumers in businesses. 

These are only a few ways anthropologists apply their knowledge in various fields.  

What does a student majoring in Anthropology study? 

In studying humanity, you’ll take courses that examine people’s behavior in the past and present. Understanding ancient civilization will provide greater insight into where people are today and in the future. Your studies will offer the opportunity to use that information to confront many of humanity’s social issues:  poverty, hunger, and population growth.

  • Human Evolution 
  • Archaeology
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Ecology and Politics
  • Comparative Cultures
  • Prehistoric Art
  • Race, Class, and Gender
  • Global Cultural Diversity

What can I do with an Anthropology degree?

Anthropology teaches students to view the world critically and with an understanding that there is more than one perspective. Because it’s characterized by a scientific, nonjudgmental approach toward humanity and its diversity, this degree opens the door to the following career opportunities, among others:

Specializations for an Anthropology Major:

  • Archaeology
  • Biological (Physical) Anthropology 
  • Cultural (Social) Anthropology
  • Linguistic Anthropology

What are the requirements for an Anthropology degree? 

In addition to taking liberal arts courses (e.g., history, psychology, and politics), consider concentrating your studies in a specialized area of anthropology through elective classes. Curricula will include fieldwork, research projects, and a capstone experience
 

FAQ

What does a student majoring in Anthropology study?

In studying humanity, you’ll take courses that examine people’s behavior in the past and present. Understanding ancient civilization will provide greater insight into where people are today and in the future. Your studies will offer the opportunity to use that information to confront many of humanity’s social issues:  poverty, hunger, and population growth.

  • Human Evolution 
  • Archaeology
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Ecology and Politics
  • Comparative Cultures
  • Prehistoric Art
  • Race, Class, and Gender
  • Global Cultural Diversity

Read more

What can I do with an Anthropology degree?

Anthropology teaches students to view the world critically and with an understanding that there is more than one perspective. Because it’s characterized by a scientific, nonjudgmental approach toward humanity and its diversity, this degree opens the door to the following career opportunities, among others:

Read more

What specializations do Anthropology majors have?

  • Archaeology
  • Biological (Physical) Anthropology 
  • Cultural (Social) Anthropology
  • Linguistic Anthropology

Read more

What are the requirements for an Anthropology degree?

In addition to taking liberal arts courses (e.g., history, psychology, and politics), consider concentrating your studies in a specialized area of anthropology through elective classes. Curricula will include fieldwork, research projects, and a capstone experience.

Read more

Resources

What colleges offer a Major in Anthropology?