Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Anthropology - Cultural Anthropology

Cultural anthropology is at the core of anthropology. It provides students with in-depth experience in the interpretation and comparison of cultures. It is closely linked to the humanities and to other social sciences. Students learn what culture is, how different cultural systems and forms of social organization work, how language both reflects and constitutes culture and methodological and theoretical frameworks for interpreting cultural differences and similarities. Students work closely with cultural anthropology faculty to choose a series of electives from both within and outside of the department to refine their own research interests. Students are encouraged (but not required) to become proficient in a foreign language beyond the level required for the B.A. and to develop a regional area of specialization through course work or a minor (e.g., Latin American studies, Africana studies, Middle Eastern studies, Asian studies). Outside upper-level electives are recommended in history, sociology, economics, religion, modern foreign languages and political science. Students are encouraged to pursue study abroad, ethnographic field school and internship opportunities. To earn a B.S degree in anthropology, students complete 40-41 credit hours in the major. Career Opportunities and Marketable Skills: An undergraduate degree in Anthropology provides a solid foundation for a wide range of rewarding careers. Students with a B.A. or B.S. degree in anthropology have gone on to become: Graduate students in archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistics and area studies programs. Professors of anthropology in each of the sub-disciplines Professional students in law, medicine, education, international affairs, public policy and public health Americorps and Peace Corps volunteers Archivists Business executives City planners and government officials College librarians Field archaeologists Cultural affairs directors Historical preservationists Museum and zoo curators and staff International aid workers and development consultants Management trainees Nurses, medical technicians and physicians assistants Forensic analysts Coroners Technical writers Conservation scientists and practitioners The anthropology major is a liberal arts program that stresses such marketable skills as: Data analysis Computer skills Critical thinking Global knowledge Research skills Rigorous writing and presentation skills.