Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of human cultural and biological diversity across time and space. The traditional subfields are Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, and Linguistic Anthropology. As the economy and workforce in the 21st century is becoming increasingly international, anthropology becomes especially important. It is the only discipline that approaches human questions holistically, using a combination of archaeological, historical, biological, linguistic, and cultural perspectives. Anthropology provides the skills to understand complex social issues, their causes, and potential solutions.

Students trained in anthropology have the analytical and methodological tools to apply their knowledge of human diversity to real world problems. For example, anthropologists working in public health help to facilitate communication between medical providers and patients, especially where patients hold non-Western perspectives on medicine and healing. The research of anthropologists also helps inform policy and technology design at many levels in government, business, and non-profit arenas. As a minor, anthropology complements other scientific and liberal arts programs by helping students to understand the interconnectivity of people and their cultures. Anthropology graduates are employed in the social sciences, museum studies, medicine, public health, government, urban planning, law, business, contract archaeology, and many other professions.