Majoring in Anthropology
Anthropology is the exploration of the human condition. In coursework, individual study and field schools, you examine an astonishing range of human experience across space and time. Our curriculum incorporates a wide variety of themes in cultural anthropology as well as archaeology, and you can pursue a geographic specialization in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, South America or North America. Your work will give you rich insights into our increasingly interconnected, globalized world. It will prepare you for a variety of careers, too. Our students go on to graduate school for anthropology and related disciplines, and they pursue work in higher education, business, law, human rights and many other fields.
Special opportunities
Many anthropology majors pursue a second major or a minor in another field, drawing connections between such diverse fields as art, art history, biology, botany, economics, English, Hispanic studies, international relations and psychology. Students may build on those interdisciplinary connections through an academic Pathway exploration. A number of students are also accepted to the College’s interdisciplinary centers, where they focus on international studies, the environment or public policy. Some of our majors pursue research apprenticeships and collaborate in the formal presentation and publication of research with our faculty.
Study away
Anthropology majors have recently completed semester-long academic programs in Australia, Brazil, China, Greece, Denmark, England, Germany, Ireland, Israel, India, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Syria and Vietnam. Areas of research have included food security, organic farming, museum outreach and education, and heritage management. We encourage students to study abroad, pursue research-intensive field programs, and deepen their secondary language competencies.
