Anthropology B.S.

Anthropology is the study of humankind in all of its forms (cultural, biological, and linguistic), using a holistic and global perspective. It comprises four primary subfields: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology, all of which are uniquely linked by the concept of culture.

Anthropology combines a set of theories and methods that have, at their core, the development of an understanding of human biological and cultural variability. It allows students to learn about the scientific, social, political, and historical perspectives on human variation and human evolution. It challenges them to examine their own beliefs, and come to their own conclusions, about the implications in today's world of biological and cultural variation, including how false narratives have been—and continue to be—perpetuated in order to oppress certain groups. Fundamentally, Anthropology therefore contributes to the liberal education of students at the University of Minnesota by tackling questions that are at the heart of societal tensions: how does identity relate to the biological and cultural factors that have shaped humans as a species and that continue to shape populations and individuals? Importantly, Anthropology as a reflexive discipline also examines its own legacy. Many of our classes tackle the impact of colonialism, racism, and other actions and ideologies that serve to justify and perpetuate inequality.

The Bachelor of Science degree recognizes that many fields of study within biological anthropology and archaeology depend upon modes of inquiry based upon empirical scientific methods. It therefore develops competence in these scientific methods through curricular requirements within and outside Anthropology. Students pursuing this degree are required to take 20-24 credits outside Anthropology in a wide variety of courses within the Quantitative and Natural sciences. Within the major, students take numerous lab-based courses, in which they learn to ask scientific questions, design a research methodology, collect and analyze data, and use the results to refine the question. Non lab-based classes also strongly emphasize research skills, effective writing, and critical thought.

The BS degree provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers in anthropology, such as evolutionary anthropology, molecular anthropology, geo-archaeology, archaeological chemistry, and forensic anthropology.

Additionally, the BS degree enables students who are pursuing a career in the health sciences to fulfill the math and science prerequisites for medical school and other graduate programs in health, while gaining a solid foundation in anthropology. Although a second language is not required for the BS degree, cultural competency and an appreciation of the role of culture in how societies construct knowledge are gained through anthropological coursework at all levels.