What is Anthropology?

• Major in Anthropology (B.A.)
• Minor in Anthropology
• Field School of Archaeology
• Anthropology Internship
• Three Subfields

Anthropology may be defined as the scientific study of the human condition—an exploration of the biological, social, and cultural aspects of our species in the past, present, and future. Anthropology prepares students to be global citizens in a rapidly changing and multi-cultured world. Described as the most humanistic of the social sciences and the most scientific of the humanities, anthropology is unique among academic disciplines in its attention to the entire human condition and its holistic approach to the study of human life. Anthropologists apply the knowledge gained from this perspective to try to solve current domestic and world problems. Likewise, this perspective and the skills it develops are important to people working in the arts, social services, education, public affairs, business and politics.

Students who are interested in anthropology would like to better understand themselves and people who are different from them. They're curious about human nature and human diversity. They want to learn more about what people around the world have in common and understand why people around the world live differently from one another. Students who have excelled at social studies, English, or biology in high school would likely enjoy anthropology.