Minor in Anthropology

Person comparing color of soil to a chart

The minor allows students to explore anthropology, including its subfields: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology (read more about the subfields). 

Requirements for the minor (15 units)

See the catalog (search for 'Anthropology minor") for the most up-to-date requirements.

  • Core Course #1 (3 units) - Choose one of these:
    • ANTH 102 Intro to the Anthropology of Language: Also GEAR - Lower Div. Area D
    • ANTH 104 Cultural Anthropology: Also GEAR - Lower Div. Area D
  • Core Course # 2 (3 units) - Choose one of these:
    • ANTH 103 Biological Anthropology: Also GEAR - Lower Div. Area B (Lifeforms)
    • ANTH 105 Archaeology & World Prehistory: Also GEAR - Lower Div. Area D
  • Upper Division Electives (9 units, three courses) - Choose any ANTH courses that are 300-level or above. These courses allow broad exploration of anthropology or focus on a particular area of interest.

If you took Anthropology courses at another institution, like a community college, your courses likely cover some of the above requirements. Contact the Anthropology Department Chair to see how.

You can earn a minor using General Education & All-University Requirements (GEAR)

A minor in Anthropology can readily be achieved with courses that also fulfill Humboldt general education requirements! In addition to the lower division core courses that cover GE Areas (ANTH 102, 103, 104 & 105), the following can be chosen as electives:

  • ANTH 302: Anthropology of Religion: Also GEAR Upper Div. Area D and Diversity & Common Ground Non-Domestic
  • ANTH 305 Human Evolutionary Health: Also GEAR Upper Div. Area B & Common Ground Non-Domestic
  • ANTH 307: World Heritage & Archaeology: Also GEAR Upper Div. Area D and Diversity & Common Ground Non-Domestic
Suggested Pathways for Specific Interests

Anthropology is a great complement to many majors, so there is no one specific pathway that will fit all interests/goals. Students are advised to talk to one of the Anthropology Faculty about their interests to get advice on what courses to take.

Below are some recommended pathways for some common interests. Please note that these are not separate minors, the minor is 'Anthropology". The pathways are also not "official" - they are just recommendations, and all will show up as "Anthropology Minor" on transcripts.

If interested in general anthropology:

  • Core Course #1: ANTH 102 Intro to the Anth of Language, or ANTH 104 Cultural Anthropology
  • Core Course #2: ANTH 103 Biological Anthropology, or ANTH 105 Archaeology & World Prehistory
  • Three Electives: Choose from any of the Upper Division (300-level or higher) Anthropology courses

If interested in sociocultural anthropology:

  • Core Course #1: ANTH 104 Cultural Anthropology
  • Core Course #2: ANTH 103 Biological Anthropology, or ANTH 105 Archaeology & World Prehistory
  • Three Electives: ANTH 318 Ethnography, plus two of the following: ANTH 302, 310, 314, 316, 317, 329, 340, 341, 390

If interested in linguistic anthropology:

  • Core Course #1: ANTH 102 Intro to the Anth of Language 
  • Core Course #2: ANTH 103 Biological Anthropology, or ANTH 105 Archaeology & World Prehistory
  • Three Electives: ANTH 340 Language & Culture, ANTH 341 Anthropological Linguistics, plus one more upper division (300-level or higher) Anthropology course. 

If interested in archaeology:

  • Core Course #1: ANTH 102 Intro to the Anth of Language, or ANTH 104 Cultural Anthropology
  • Core Course #2: ANTH 105 Archaeology & World Prehistory
  • Three Electives: ANTH 350 Method & Theory in Archaeology, plus two of the following: ANTH 307, 351, 352, 353, 354, 357, 358, 359, 394, 395

If interested in biological anthropology:

  • Core Course #1: ANTH 102 Intro to the Anth of Language, or ANTH 104 Cultural Anthropology
  • Core Course #2: ANTH 103 Biological Anthropology
  • Three Electives: ANTH 330 Method & Theory in Biological Anthropology, plus two of the following: 305, 331, 332, 333, 334, 339

If interested in forensics:

  • Core Course #1: ANTH 102 Intro to the Anth of Language or ANTH 104 Cultural Anthropology
  • Core Course #2: ANTH 103 Biological Anthropology
  • Three Electives: ANTH 330 Method & Theory in Biological Anthropology, ANTH 332 Skeletal Biology & Forensics, ANTH 339 Comparative Osteology
How to Declare a Minor

Declaring a minor in Anthropology is easy - you just need to fill out a Minor Declaration Form. You are encouraged to discuss your course plans with the Anthropology Department Chair or an advisor.

Forms & Resources

Programs