Anthropology is the study of humans and their cultures in terms of universal features, variability, and development through time. The major subdivisions are socio-cultural anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, and physical anthropology.( More about Anthropology.)

A degree in anthropology trains students to understand social organizations, as well as to think critically and be culturally sensitive. This major is a good background for a wide variety of jobs, including: Teachers, researchers, museum curators; International business; Attorneys; Advisers for international development agencies; Consultants in software production companies; Technicians in police forensic labs; Trouble shooters in institutional settings and in the health care industry; Documentary filmmakers. The possibilities are as endless as one’s own interests. While most professional anthropologists seek graduate degrees and find employment as teachers and researchers in colleges and universities, a major in anthropology provides students with a unique liberal arts background bridging the humanities, social, earth, and biological sciences, which leads to many other professional opportunities outside of teaching and research.

The Department of Anthropology at SIUC offers both a Major, leading to a Bachelors of Arts degree, and a Minor. In addition, we participate in a number of interdisciplinary minors, such as:

Anthropology provides capable students with an intensive program emphasizing early integration into upper division coursework. This major is appropriate for the outstanding liberal arts student seeking a distinctive program, with a particular strength in preparing outstanding students for continued graduate studies in Anthropology. Grades below C in Anthropology courses will not be accepted as fulfilling major requirements.

The student is expected to gain a broad background in all subfields, after which the options of further general study or specialization are available. Students are encouraged to supplement their anthropological studies with work in other social sciences, and where appropriate in biology, earth sciences, humanities, mathematics, or other areas.

An anthropology major is required to take Anthropology 300 (soon to change to 240) A, B, C, D, and one each of the 310 and 410 course series. Anthropology seniors are required to participate in the Senior Seminar (ANTH 480), usually held each semester. No more than six hours of Anthropology 460 (independent study) can be applied toward the major. Students must complete at least 9 hours of 300- and 400- level classes in Anthropology in addition to the four core courses (ANTH 300A, B, C, D).

Students with exceptional scholarly promise may be invited into the departmental honors program, which includes the writing of an honors thesis during the senior year under the direction of a departmental faculty member.

A minor in anthropology consists of at least 15 hours, including at least two of the four courses: 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D, and a minimum of three of the remaining nine hours of 310 series or 400-level courses.