Assorted past + distinct present = Anthropology Major

Anthropology is the study of humankind in all times and places.  It is perhaps the broadest of the liberal arts disciplines in the scope of its focus on humanity. A major in anthropology offers opportunities to learn about the diverse people of today’s world, as well as about their biological and cultural origins. This area of study deals with ecology, society, biology, culture, language and other aspects of human life.  In addition, anthropologists study history and evolution in both a cultural and biological framework.  The major is structured to provide the student with a broad overview of the major subdisciplines: cultural anthropology, physical anthropology and archaeology. It also allows sufficient flexibility for a student to concentrate on a specific area of interest.

What skills does studying anthropology develop?

• understanding social relationships and cultural frameworks
• knowledge about biological, ecological and cultural factors that influence human behavior
• theoretical and practical approaches for improving cross-cultural understanding
• skills in social research, qualitative interviewing and fieldwork
• knowledge of human evolution and genetics
• writing descriptive reports and analytical papers
• analyzing social issues and working to fix them

Undergraduate education
Graduate education

Career opportunities

Anthropology provides an excellent foundation for careers in a variety of professions and occupations requiring special sensitivity to and knowledge about cultural and human biological diversity, including community health, public health policy, medicine and health services; planning and community development; international relations and development; private and international business; government; law; journalism; museum work; university teaching and research; postgraduate education and many others including but not limited to the following:

• museums
• women's organizations
• international development agencies
• ethnic and cultural organizations
• refugee / immigrant assistance organizations
• community centers and services
• historic preservation offices
• cultural resource management agencies
• archives
• zoos
• social service agencies
• art galleries
• market research firms
• historical societies
• mission organizations
• parks and historic sites
• antique collectible shops

For more information about non-academic careers, visit the following:

• American Anthropology Association's Information for Practitioners

For more information about career opportunities, contact the UK Career Center.