Mizuki Miyashita, Chair

Anthropology is the study of people, both ancient and contemporary, in their biological, archaeological, cultural, and linguistic context. Anthropology uses a holistic approach to integrate findings from the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. The primary educational mission of the Department of Anthropology is teaching, research, and professional service in order to impart the critical importance of understanding the human condition and its relevance to an increasingly diverse world. To accomplish this task, the Department of Anthropology provides a curriculum that will help students understand and appreciate the range of human cultures as well as the significance of biological evolution of the human condition. Through our undergraduate and graduate programs, students not only achieve a broad cross-cultural education but also prepare to apply their anthropological knowledge in their chosen career paths. A minor, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered in Anthropology, with concentrations or specializations available at every level. For undergraduates, the B.A. can include concentrations in Archaeology, Cultural and Ethnic Diversity, Forensic and Biological Anthropology, and Linguistics, or a general degree crafted to the interests of the student. Parallel missions to promote the study of human diversity and experience are advanced by the Linguistics Program, which is also housed in the department. Additional offerings include certificates in Forensic Science and Historic Preservation. These certificates are interdisciplinary by nature, but are administered within the Anthropology Department.

Anthropology is an interconnected discipline and majors are urged to acquire a broad background especially in the natural and social sciences and the humanities. Recommended areas of study are biology, economics, English, geography, geosciences, history, communication studies, linguistics, Native American studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology.