Bachelor of Science in Anthropology

Banner with images of people doing anthropology

The bachelor of science includes concentration options in each subfield: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology (read more about the subfields). Starting Fall 2024, a "cross-disciplinary" concentration is available for student's whose primary interests cross multiple subfields.

The concentrations all include a common core that introduces all subfields as well as disciplinary methods, theories, and history. Students take additional courses in their concentration while also taking electives in each of the other subfields. This structure ensures that students gain a holistic knowledge of the discipline and also enables students to switch between concentrations or declare multiple concentrations as they gain more insight into the discipline.

The subfield-specific concentrations include courses in Anthropology as well as "outside elective" courses in other disciplines. This allows students to incorporate their interests while preparing for careers and advanced degree programs. 

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Anthropology

Hands On Experience

Educational and research opportunities in anthropology are enhanced by small class sizes and excellent facilities and field programs. Anthropology has laboratories in each subfield, a collections facility, and a simulated archaeological site. Students and collaborating scientists use these facilities for classes, hands-on training, and to conduct a wide range of innovative research. Our students have presented their findings at professional conferences, co-authored papers in peer-reviewed journals, completed honors theses, been accepted to prestigious graduate programs, and won distinguished awards and scholarships.

Cultural & Ethnographic Research

Critically engage ethnographic representations, design cultural studies, collect ethnographic data, delve into vital real-world cultural issues, and have the opportunity to make international experience an integral part of the degree through international exchange and independent study across the globe. Read more...

Archaeological Lab and Fieldwork

Participate in archaeological surveys, excavations, and analysis, supported by local archaeological sites, our on-campus simulated site, partnerships with local museums and cultural heritage offices, the Archaeology Research Laboratory, and the Cultural Resources Facility and the Belize Archaeology Field Program. Read more...

Biological Anthropology Lab & Fieldwork

Conduct research in comparative anatomy, mechanisms of evolution, evolutionary medicine, bioarchaeology, forensic anthropology, and non-human primate behavior and ecology through the Biological Anthropology Research Center and partnering local, national, and international agencies. Check out the Medieval Poland Bioarchaeology Field Program. Read more...

Anthropology Club

The Humboldt Anthropology Club is designed to promote a greater understanding of the academic discipline among students and enable them to explore their interests within the field. We are a fun and friendly group that holds meetings and plans events throughout the year that are related to the various aspects of anthropology.

Internships

Students have the opportunity to receive credit for engaging in resume-building internships with local agencies such as museums, tribal historic preservation offices, the coroner’s office, nonprofits, shelters, community action groups, advocacy organizations, and the list goes on…

International Experience

In addition to our anthropological field schools, many of our students take advantage of Humboldt’s exchange programs, which enable students to travel the world and make hands-on, international experience an integral part of education. Students may receive units of Anthropology major credit for international study.

Forms & Resources
Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will:

  1. Explain how the diversity of cultural values is reflected in different patterns of social and political organization and systems of communication (symbolic and linguistic)
  2. Apply the scientific method in the various subfields of the discipline (cultural, biological, archaeology, linguistics, and applied)
  3. Explain the complex and interrelated processes of change (biological and cultural evolution, diffusion, colonialism, globalization) both within cultures and across cultural boundaries 
  4. Analyze the relevance of anthropology to present-day policy and social issues such as human rights, health, historical preservation, conservation, economic development, language use, and cultural practices. 
  5. Demonstrate skills (critical thinking, communication, information literacy, and research and technical skills) needed to apply anthropology in practical and professional settings. 

Programs