What does it mean to be human? Anthropology explores this question in many ways. Students in the major compare humans with other animals (most often, primates) to see what we have in common with them and what makes us unique. Students also consider the past through archeology to see how human groups lived thousands of years ago and what was important to them. And they study our biological bodies and genetics and how humans adapt to different environments. Anthropologists examine the ways people in different places around the world live and understand the world around them by creating their own laws, religion and art. Overall, anthropology takes a broad approach to understanding the human experience.

Major Requirements

As an anthropology major, you will choose one of three tracks of study: 1) the Bachelor of Science program, providing a thorough grounding in natural science and a focus on human origins and biological anthropology as well as educational background for further training in the health professions; or the Bachelor of Arts program, focusing either on 2) evolutionary anthropology and the understanding of human biology, ecology and social life or 3) cultural anthropology and the understanding of cultural aspects of humanity such as ethnography and linguistics. If you choose to focus on archaeology, you will consult with an adviser to determine which track of study will best meet your specific goals. Either track will require you to complete initial sequences of courses in anthropology and other social sciences. You will then have wide latitude to select courses of personal interest to you.