Overview
Anthropology is the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space, in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture. With a major or minor in anthropology, you will learn the skills you need to successfully navigate a diverse world and help solve the complex problems that face today's communities.
The anthropology curriculum will expose you to a broad historical and comparative framework within which to view the variety of human cultures. You’ll learn all of the fundamental concepts and techniques of anthropology through scientific, statistical, and qualitative analysis.
Subdisciplines
There are four main subdisciplines of anthropology.
- Cultural anthropology (the study of contemporary human cultures)
- Physical anthropology (the study of human genetics, evolution, and primatology)
- Archaeology (the study of past cultures)
- Linguistics (the study of human communication)
Related Fields of Study
The anthropology curriculum pulls in research from various areas of study.
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Ecology
- Geology
- Religious studies
- Languages
- Chemistry
- Emerging fields
Degree Requirements
Highlights
Many anthropologists specialize in one or more geographic areas of the world (such as Latin America, the West Indies, or Eastern Europe). Other far-reaching activities have included
- engaging with the Landless Workers’ Movement in Brazil;
- volunteering at a home for women who are victims of domestic violence in Guatemala;
- studying primates in Costa Rica and Uganda;
- working with political prisoners in Mexico;
- assisting with field research in Costa Rica; and
- performing internships at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.
Student Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of the anthropology bachelor of arts program, you will be able to
- think comparatively across sociocultural contexts and apply a culturally relative perspective pertaining to cultural diversity;
- apply anthropological insights to the workplace and contemporary world based on both past and present human biological, ethnic, and cultural variations;
- effectively communicate about qualitative and quantitative anthropological data, perform fieldwork, and develop an original research project;
- understand ethical principles of and how research findings apply to anthropological research and processes; and
- demonstrate a holistic knowledge of anthropology as a whole with the ability to articulate the central ideas from the subdisciplines.
General Education Requirements
The University of Minnesota and its faculty are committed to providing an education that invites you to investigate the world from new perspectives, learn new ways of thinking, and grow as an active citizen and lifelong learner. The University’s general education requirements are designed to be integrated throughout your four-year undergraduate experience. These courses provide you an opportunity to explore fields outside your major and complement your major curriculum with a multidisciplinary perspective.
Transferring Credit
Put your credits to work for you at UMN Morris, where you’ll earn a degree from a highly ranked public liberal arts university.
Careers & Graduate School
Completing a major in anthropology opens the door to many professional options upon graduation, such as business, law, social work, communication, education, and human service careers, which may range from museum work to international business to community service and advertising.
Upon earning your BA degree in anthropology, you’ll be ready to enter the private or public job sector or go on to advanced degree work. An anthropology degree is particularly suited to careers in which employees have the ability to work in a multicultural environment in the United States or internationally. Continuing on to higher degree programs or advanced academic work with an anthropology degree can lead to teaching and research at the university level.
Tuition & Costs
The University of Minnesota Morris is a national public liberal arts college committed to making a high-quality education available to students from across the country. Expenses for housing, meals, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees, and personal expenditures can vary.
Students are immediately considered for a scholarship package upon admission to UMN Morris.
Research & Engagement
Research
On-site research and fieldwork are vital components of the anthropology discipline. You may have the opportunity to join faculty on research trips, such as to New Zealand, Portugal, and Mexico, to assist on archaeological excavations or perform ethnographic research.
