What is Anthropology?
Anthropology graduate student, Bobbie Hornbeck, on fieldwork in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Photo: Caroline Funk.
Exploring what it means to be human
Anthropology is the study of humanity across time and place. It asks big questions about who we are, how we live and how societies change. Anthropologists study everything from ancient civilizations to modern health systems, from human evolution to global migration.
At its core, anthropology helps us understand people in context.
Anthropology teaches you how to understand people in context. You learn by asking questions, gathering evidence and looking at human life from multiple perspectives.
You will study topics such as how:
- Humans evolved and adapted over time
- Cultures shape beliefs, behaviors and social systems
- People create meaning through language, art and tradition
- Health, illness and healing are shaped by culture and environment
- Past societies can be understood through material remains
These ideas come to life through fieldwork, lab work and research, not just lectures.
Anthropology is evidence-based and hands-on. Anthropologists:
- Conduct fieldwork in communities around the world
- Analyze artifacts and skeletal remains
- Use interviews and ethnographic observation
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Study historical records and cultural archives
Anthropology combines science, social science and humanities approaches. It is both analytical and deeply human-centered.
Anthropology helps address real-world challenges such as:
- Health disparities
- Climate and environmental change
- Cultural heritage preservation
- Migration and displacement
- Social inequality and policy
Because anthropologists learn to see problems from multiple perspectives, they are often able to ask better questions and design more thoughtful solutions.
Anthropology builds skills that translate across careers:
- Research and analysis
- Cultural understanding
- Critical thinking
- Ethical reasoning
- Clear writing and communication
Graduates pursue work in public health, museums, law, education, government, nonprofits and community organizations. Many also continue into graduate or professional school.
If this field speaks to your curiosity, the next step is learning what makes the University at Buffalo’s program distinctive.
Our degree options
Anthropology at UB offers flexible paths so you can match your studies to your goals.