Program Description
Anthropology is the study of people through time and space. As a student in the anthropology program, you’ll study archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, physical anthropology and applied anthropology. From study abroad experiences and internships to archaeological field school and research with experienced faculty, you’ll gain hands-on experience that will set you apart when searching for a career.
Put Your Degree to Work
As an anthropology graduate, you’ll find career opportunities with museums, federal agencies, and local and international organizations. You’ll be well equipped to provide consulting services including historical research, forensic work for police agencies and assessment of health care services for cultural groups. If you’re interested in staying on an academic path, you may be qualified to teach at a college or university anthropology department, medical school or international studies program.
*Some of these careers require additional education.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data
Below is a list of potential careers, median salary over the course of the career and projected job growth.
| Job | Median Pay | Job Growth through 2026 |
|---|
| Museum archivist/curator | $47,360 per year | 13% (4,200 more jobs) |
| Historian | $59,120 per year | 6% (200 more jobs) |
| Anthropologist/archeologist | $62,280 per year | 4% (300 more jobs)
|
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Anthropology Major
Courses in anthropology are offered in four subfields:
A. Cultural Anthropology: ANT 170, 200, 202, 205, 320, 321, 322, 324, 326, 365, 370, 380, 450, 451, 457, 459, 506, 520, 521, 532, 590.
B. Physical Anthropology: ANT 110, 171, 173, 342, 347, 351, 356, 358, 461, 542.
C. Archaeology: ANT 174, 175, 340, 344, 345, 348, 426, 500, 540, 544.
D. Linguistic Anthropology: ANT 276.
Total: 34 semester hours
Required Courses I
(10 hours)
ANT 170
Cultural Anthropology
3
Comparative study of contemporary cultures and impact of globalization on cultural diversity, including methods and theories employed. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group III B: Studies in Social Structures)
ANT 171
Human Origins: Introduction to Physical Anthropology
3
Introduction to human and primate evolution, and the origin of human hereditary variations. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
ANT 173
Laboratory in Physical Anthropology
1
Laboratory practicum surveying the techniques and procedures by which evidence is developed and analyzed in studying human variation and evolution. Satisfies University Program Group II laboratory requirement. Pre/Co-requisite: ANT 171 or 110. (University Program Group II-A: Descriptive Sciences)
ANT 465
Capstone Experience in Anthropology
3
A current topic of broad anthropological interest, as approached from the various perspectives of the subdisciplines. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: Authorized major or minor in Anthropology, and Junior or Senior standing, and ANT 170, 171, either ANT 174 or 175.
Required Courses II
(3 hours)
Select one of the following:
ANT 174
Inequality in the Ancient World: Origins of Early States
3
Introduction to archaeological method and theory with a focus on the emergence of political institutions and social inequality in Africa, Asia and Europe. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group IV-A: Studies in Discrimination)
ANT 175
Archaeology of the Americas
3
Archaeology of the Americas from the earliest peopling of the Western Hemisphere to the rise of civilizations such as the Maya, Aztec, and Inca. (University Program Group IV-B: Studies in Cultures Outside of the Anglo-American Tradition)
Required Courses III
(3 hours)
Select one of the following:
ANT 426
Archaeological Theory
3
Nature of archaeological evidence, methods of analysis, theories and problems in interpretation and explanation of the human past. Offered in alternate years in rotation with ANT 451. Prerequisite: ANT 175.
ANT 451
History of Anthropological Thought
3
History of anthropological theory and ongoing ethical challenges. Key theorists, concepts, and schools of thought. Contemporary developments. Prerequisite: ANT 170.
ANT 461
Race, Racism and Human Evolution
3
This course examines the relationship between science and social policies that impact "race" historically and in the present day. Prerequisites: ANT 351, or a signed major or minor in Anthropology and junior or senior status.
Required Courses IV
(3 hours)
Select one of the following:
ANT 450/SOC 450
Ethnographic Methods and Research Design
3
Ethnographic methods, ethics, and research design in cultural anthropology. Identical to SOC 450. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisite: ANT 170.
ANT 521/CRM 521
North American Indian Ethnohistory
3
The history of Native American peoples in North America since 1492, impact of colonization and U.S. policy upon Native Americans, and ethnohistorical theory and methodology. Identical to CRM 521. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisite: Senior standing and ANT 320 or 365 or HST 323; or graduate standing.
ANT 540/CRM 540
Archaeological Field and Laboratory Techniques
3
Practical instruction in archaeological methods including field survey and excavation; description, classification, data analysis, and documentation of cultural materials in the laboratory. Identical to CRM 540. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: ANT 175 and one of the following: ANT 340, 344, 348; or Graduate standing.
ANT 542/CRM 542
Methods in Forensic Anthropology: Osteology and Skeletal Analysis
4
Lectures and laboratory training in forensic identification and analysis of human skeletal remains for utilization by criminal justice authorities, missing persons bureaus, archaeologists and paleoanthropologists. Identical to CRM 542. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses. Prerequisites: ANT 173, 342, or 347; or graduate standing.
Electives
(15 hours)
Select at least 3 hours from Electives I, II, and III. Electives must total 15 hours chosen from Electives I, II, III, and IV.
EL1-ANT
Electives I
(3-9 hours)
EL2-ANT
Electives II
(3-9 hours)
EL3-ANT
Electives III
(3-9 hours)
EL4-ANT
Electives IV
(0-9 hours)
