Minor in Anthropology

An anthropology minor strengthens skills that employers and graduate programs value. It is a strong complement to majors in psychology, public health, biology, linguistics, history, education, international studies and more.

With this minor you will:

• Gain a broader understanding of human diversity and global cultures
• Learn to analyze evidence and interpret complex social issues
• Strengthen writing, research and communication skills
• Explore topics such as health, evolution, archaeology and cultural change
• Add flexibility and context to your primary major

The anthropology minor requires 18 to 21 total credits, depending on the focus area you choose.

Key requirements include:

• One chosen focus area
• At least four upper-division courses at the 300 or 400 level
• All courses must be anthropology (APY) courses

• General anthropology: Provides a broad introduction to cultural anthropology, human evolution and archaeology. This option is ideal if you want a well-rounded view of the field.
• Archaeology: Focuses on the study of past societies through material remains. You will explore how archaeologists interpret artifacts, sites and landscapes.
• Cultural anthropology: Examines beliefs, behaviors and social practices across cultures. This focus emphasizes contemporary communities and global perspectives.
• Biological anthropology: Explores human evolution, variation and the biological foundations of behavior, including primate studies and skeletal biology.
• Medical anthropology: Examines health, illness and medicine through cultural and biological perspectives. This focus is often chosen by students interested in health-related careers, including pre-medical and pre-dental paths.

Each focus area combines introductory coursework with electives that allow you to tailor the minor to your interests.

Students who complete the anthropology minor will build skills and knowledge that apply across disciplines.

You will learn to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of core concepts, theories and methods in cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and or archaeological anthropology
• Understand and appreciate the diversity and complexity of human experience
• Develop global awareness and understanding of cultures different from your own
• Conduct research by posing questions, gathering evidence, analyzing sources and building arguments
• Read critically and evaluate information thoughtfully
• Communicate clearly in writing by expressing and supporting ideas with evidence
• Organize and present research orally in a meaningful way

These outcomes help prepare you for advanced coursework, graduate study or careers that involve research, analysis and communication.

The anthropology minor is a good fit if you:

• Want to add a global or cultural lens to your major
• Are interested in health, education, policy, research or community work
• Plan to attend graduate or professional school
• Enjoy asking questions about how people live, adapt and interact

An anthropology minor adds depth, perspective and flexibility to your education. It helps you understand people and cultures while building skills you can use in many careers.

Have questions about the anthropology minor or choosing a focus area? Reach out to the department for advising and support.