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.

Anthropology provides capable students with an intensive program emphasizing early integration into upper division coursework. While oriented toward preparation for graduate work, this major is also appropriate for the outstanding liberal arts student seeking a distinctive program. 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.

Most professional anthropologists find employment as teachers and researchers in colleges and universities. However, a major in anthropology provides the 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.

An anthropology major is required to take Anthropology 300A, 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 in the Fall semester. No more than six hours of Anthropology 460 and no more than six hours of 200-level course work may be applied toward the major. It should be noted that graduate departments often require foreign language and mathematical background beyond that required by the undergraduate program. Students not interested in advanced study will be advised on an individual basis reflecting their own particular interests and aspirations.

Students with exceptional scholarly promise may be invited into the departmental honors program, which includes the writing of an honors thesis, usually in the Spring semester of 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.

A minor in anthropology for students interested in museum studies may be earned by taking a designated series of museum-oriented courses offered by the Departments of Anthropology, Geology, History, and the School of Art. Required courses for the minor are drawn from the following: Anthropology 450; Art & Design 207, 447; Geology 445; and History 497 and/or 498; and Political Science 446.