Anthropology is the worldwide comparative study of humankind, present and past. The subfield of cultural anthropology examines the relationship of culture, human meaning, and the social, political, and economic forces that affect our worlds. Our Cultural Anthropology major provides students with an understanding of cultural diversity, human social organization and social structure, and social research methods.
Anthropology courses help students gain an understanding of the complexity of current events within the U.S. and internationally. Course offerings examine topics ranging from anthropological theory and research methods to applied anthropology. Students have the opportunity to explore critical contemporary problems, globalization, urban life, family, gender, health, and technology, to name just a few topic areas, through the lens of anthropology. We also offer a three course sequence on physical and forensic anthropology. Finally, anthropology majors complete an independent research project as part of their capstone methods course.
Anthropology majors learn to gather and analyze complex material, communicate across difference, and recognize how cultural perspectives shape understandings of events and interactions. Upon graduation our majors are well prepared to obtain employment in our increasingly multicultural workforce, including positions in business, health, government, and law, among others. Majors also have been very successful in obtaining admittance in graduate school, including Ph.D. programs in Anthropology and Master’s programs in Applied Anthropology, Public Health, and Social Work.
The department offers various advanced courses in the evening every semester but does not offer an evening major. Students who are able to take some courses during the day can complete the degree on a part-time basis.
You can also refer to the UMBC Undergraduate Catalog for further information about the academic program and course descriptions for the Anthropology Major and Minor.
What can I do with a degree in Anthropology?
View a copy of our brochure here.