Anthropology

Program Overview

Anthropology at this institution explores human cultural practices and biological makeup through biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological perspectives. Graduates develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills, preparing them for careers in advocacy, business, research, teaching, and public service. The program offers small classes, hands-on learning opportunities, and access to renowned faculty conducting cutting-edge research in historical archaeology.

Program Outline

Those who are trained in anthropology use biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological aspects to consider how and why human cultural practices and biological makeup change over time. By doing so, anthropologists reveal the many similarities different human groups share, despite our cultural and biological diversity. Anthropologists benefit human societies in a number of ways. Working both in the US and internationally, many anthropologists help to solve real-world problems through their work with local, state, and federal agencies and non-profit organizations, such as UNESCO, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the Centers for Disease Control. They may do so by addressing human rights concerns, the social and cultural consequences of natural diseases, or equitable access to limited resources. Anthropologists who specialize in archaeology are typically employed with cultural resource management companies, museums, and historic preservation groups to interpret the human past, conserve our cultural resources, and provide public education programs. Anthropology graduates are critical thinkers and effective communicators who are able to be productive members of working groups by generating relevant information and making informed decisions. A degree in anthropology opens doors to a number of different career paths, particularly in the fields of advocacy, business, research, teaching, public service.

Outline:

Courses Include:

• Biological Anthropology
• Anthropology of Death and Dying
• Archaeology
• Language in Culture and Society
• Historical Archaeology

Teaching:

Classes are small, so faculty will know you well and work closely with you.

Careers:

• Archivist, Curator, and Museum Worker
• Anthropologist

Other:

• Students regularly participate in annual meetings of the Alabama Archaeological Society, the Southeastern Archaeological Conference, and other conferences of professional organizations.
• Internships and other hands-on experiential learning opportunities are available to anthropology students, including in our on-campus archaeology lab.
• The department’s professors regularly publish highly regarded research reflecting the expertise in the historical archaeology of the US Southeast, including the archaeological study of landscapes and architecture, collections and curation management, colonial forts, and religious sites.