Anthropology - Archaeology Concentration

Department of Anthropology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Anthropology explores what it means to be human. Anthropology is the scientific study of humankind in all the cultures of the world, past and present. This study includes humankind’s physical development and creation of diverse lifestyles. The cross-cultural approach of Anthropology provides a framework for understanding all the diverse facets of what it means to be human.

Archaeology is the “cultural anthropology” of the human past. It uses scientific field work and laboratory techniques to investigate past human societies and the processes and effects of cultural evolution through the study of material remains. The Anthropology Department has a small, but growing program in archaeology. Our program is active in regional prehistoric and historic archaeology. Both undergraduate and graduate students’ participation in fieldwork is encouraged, and necessary if one is to enter the field professionally. Unlike some professions, archaeology can be entered on some levels with a B.A. degree, although M.A. and Ph.D. work offer greater opportunities.