Apr 19, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Current Academic Year] 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Current Academic Year] This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Anthropology [BA]


Anthropology is the global study of humans, past and present, emphasizing cultural diversity and change. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology are prepared to understand and function in a diverse world and gain practice in applying knowledge and methods for researching past and present human communities.

Learn

The Anthropology Major grounds students in Cultural Anthropology while enabling emphasis in one or more traditional subfields:

  • Cultural Anthropology – the study of cultural diversity, global forces of change connecting communities, the meanings behind cultural practices, and applying knowledge and methods to explain and solve human problems.
  • Physical/Biological Anthropology – the study of the diverse ways in which humans have evolved and continue to adapt to their environments through the mutual interaction of biology and culture.
  • Linguistic Anthropology – the study of human language use, diversity, and change emphasizing how people understand relationships to the world and each other through shared meanings.
  • Archaeology – the study of past human cultures through the patterns and changes in material objects they leave behind (homes, tools and other technologies, animal and plant remains, etc.).

Opportunities

Students have available the following guided opportunities to enhance their potential.

  • Hands-on research in Cultural Anthropology, Physical/Biological Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Archaeology.
  • Scholarly conference presentations through guided preparation
  • Study and research abroad
  • Archaeology Field School to prepare students for employment
  • Internships

Anthropology has been defined as the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences. It is also a truly integrative discipline. Because of this, a BA in anthropology is a perfect preparation for graduate training in a number of academic and professional fields, from law to medicine and from management to marketing.

Recent Anthropology Majors who looked for jobs upon graduation, with little or no graduate training, have found entry-level positions in the following areas: Museums & Libraries; Non-Profits and/or NGOs; Media & Film; Public Relations; Social and/or Health Service; Cultural Resource Management; Animal Care/Training; Parks, Recreation, & Conservation; Laboratory research; Human Resources; Advertising & Marketing; Hospitality industry; Public Policy; Forensic Investigations; and Biometrics.

Department Information


Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology 712 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0012

Julian Murchison, PhD, Department Head

Advisor Information


Bradley Ensor, PhD, 712 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0012

General Education Requirements:


For specific requirements, see  or view the .  

Major Requirements: 33 hours


 

Restricted Elective Courses: 12 hours


Select 12 credit hours from the following. The courses are offered on a rotating schedule, in-person/hybrid sections are available each semester, and online sections are available occasionally. 

Culminating Experience: 6 hours


Select two anthropology courses at the 400-level (6 hrs), at least one of which must be in cultural anthropology and one of which must be designated as Writing Intensive (GEWI). The courses are offered on a rotating schedule, in-person/hybrid sections are available each semester, and online sections are available occasionally.

Minor Requirement:


This major requires a minor. Please see  for a list of available minors or contact your major advisor.

Program Total:


Students must earn a minimum total of 120 credits at the 100-level or above.

Critical Graduation Information