Anthropology

A Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Idaho gives you an advanced understanding of cultural diversity – past and present. You’ll learn to see the world through a new lens, and you’ll graduate with the broad perspective and investigative tools you need for a successful career in the wide-ranging field of anthropology. The degree is also excellent preparation for careers in social service, business, nonprofit, government and academia.

Through the study of human cultures, anthropology majors develop a meaningful perspective of the American society and its place among others. You’ll take courses that explore humanity’s evolutionary past, archaeology (study of those who lived long ago), ethnography (study of those who are living now), physical and linguistic differences among people, and other topics related to anthropology.

You will also have convenient access to the department’s artifact collections, well-equipped laboratories, and top faculty, which is renowned for leading expertise in historical archaeology and the archaeology and cultural study of the native American tribes of the North American plateau.

Prepare for Success

Anthropologists are trained observers with an eye for detail. You should have a certain level of global awareness, as well as a general curiosity about people and cultures around the world.  To succeed, you must build excellent investigative and critical thinking skills, as well as strong oral and written communication abilities. To prepare for the program while still in high school, take courses in history, biology and world events. It’s also helpful to gain exposure to other cultures through museums, art galleries and travel.

Your First Year

The anthropology major is available as either a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of sciences (B.S.) degree. During your first two years in the program, you may take:

• Anth 100 – Intro to Anthropology
• Anth 220 – Peoples of the World
• Anth 230 – World Prehistory
• Anth 231 – Intro to Archaeology
• Anth 251 – Intro to Physical Anthropology
• Soc 101 – Intro to Sociology
• Stat 251 – Principles of Statistics

 Anthropology major requirements

What You Can Do

A bachelor’s degree in anthropology prepares you for a variety of dynamic career opportunities, including the following:

• Analyst
• Applied anthropologist
• Archaeologist
• Archivist
• Art director
• Conservator
• Cultural anthropologist
• Curator
• Ecologist
• Educator/Teacher/Professor
• Forensic scientist
• Health services provider
• Lawyer (with additional education)
• Market researcher
• Museum exhibit designer
• Park guide/ranger
• Physical anthropologist
• Project evaluator
• Researcher
• Social worker
• Tour guide

Opportunities

A degree in anthropology prepares you for a variety of career options. Organizations in today’s increasingly global economy demand employees who have a global perspective and strong understanding of cultural diversity. A degree in anthropology gives you the tools and knowledge to excel in a wide range of careers in both the public and private sectors. Graduates of the program may pursue careers in:

• Museums
• Zoos
• Government
• International businesses
• Nonprofit organizations
• Banks
• Private industry
• Health care agencies
• Advertising/market development
• Cultural organizations
• Social service agencies
• Educational institutions

Current Research

Current faculty research interests in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Justice Studies include:

• Native American tribes
  
• American culture with an emphasis on the working class, community, religion and gender
• Prehistory of the Columbia plateau
• Evolution of the hominoids in South China, Southeast Asia (especially Java) and Australia
• Indigenous peoples of South America, particularly in the Amazon region
• Questions of minority group identity
• Historical archaeology of Asian Americans in the West, specifically Chinese-American and Japanese-American sites, artifacts and history

Hands-On Experience

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Justice Studies provides many opportunities for you to gain practical work experience before entering the professional community. You’ll have convenient access to first-class artifact collections, laboratories and other facilities, including the Laboratory of Anthropology, which will allow you to collaborate with students and faculty members on a variety of projects, ranging from artifact analysis and conservation to archival research.