Anthropology Major and Minor

Study every aspect of humanity, from the beginnings of human evolution to the big, fast-changing and complex world we live in today. Dive into cultures from around the world and throughout history. Examine the global processes of change. Conduct hands-on research and develop your skills in critical thinking, writing and analysis.

Why Study Anthropology at Albion?

As an anthropology major, you’ll immerse yourself in many cultures and time periods. You’ll have the freedom to explore topics ranging from ancient civilizations and archaeology to medical practices, the environment and social change. You’ll learn the empirical methods, interpretive theories and substantive findings of anthropology that will allow you to understand the human condition across the full spectrum of global diversity–past and present.

You’ll take these experiences and apply them to hands-on research alongside faculty on campus or through study away programs across the country and around the world.

What Will You Learn as an Anthropology Major?

You'll develop skills in empirical research, gain insight into cultures and societies, study patterns of social and cultural diversity, and learn to think critically and translate your ideas into action. These skills can be put to work in many fields–some that may not yet even exist.

You’ll take courses in cultural, ecological and biological anthropology and archaeology. You’ll examine how concepts like race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and class have been constructed in particular social contexts through time.

You’ll study the theory and practice of anthropology. You’ll tailor the curriculum to fit your passions and goals, diving deeper into a branch of anthropology or a specific culture.

Major Courses Minor Courses

Highlights

Internships

Gain real experience and explore potential careers by spending a semester or summer in an off-campus internship. Anthropology students frequently intern in museums with state, local, national, and tribal entities, and with medical and social service providers.

Off-Campus Study

Gain real life experience in another culture by spending a semester studying off campus, whether abroad through Albion’s Center for International Education or through programs at the Chicago Center or the Philadelphia Center. As an anthropology major, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your study in a location like New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, India or Peru.

Scholarships and Awards

Two students talking in a common area on campus

At Albion, we celebrate achievement and potential through the Len and Ramona Berkey Award for outstanding rising students and the Robert Notestein Award for graduating students as well as sponsoring student memberships in Albion College’s chapter of the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society.

Honors or Departmental Thesis

Faculty member addressing students in a classroom setting.

Consider taking on a challenge and exploring a topic you’re passionate about by writing an honors or departmental thesis during your senior year. Writing a thesis can be an especially valuable experience for students interested in graduate study. Completing a thesis allows students to work closely with a committee of scholars and learn about the process of undertaking and publishing scholarly research and writing.

Careers & Outcomes

As the scientific study of humanity, anthropology provides the foundation for a wide range of career paths. Our students have gone on to careers in politics, museum administration, medicine, veterinary medicine, law, social work, education, city planning, human resources, journalism and academia. Below are examples of some of the professions our students choose, as well as graduate programs our students have recently attended.