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• 02  Undergraduate Programs
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  • Advising
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• 03  News & Upcoming Events
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• 05  People
• 06  Give to Anthropology

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Home : Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Why Major in Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of human beings and cultures throughout the world and through history and prehistory. Said another way, anthropology is the study of “who we are and how we came to be that way.”

Our majors emerge with a complete liberal arts education, because anthropology is partly a natural science, partly a social science, and partly a humanistic study. In addition, anthropology is comparative. It has no boundaries! The entire world is our interest, from Asia and the Pacific to Africa and Europe, and North and South America. If you major in anthropology, you will compare and contrast the biological, social, and cultural similarities and differences of humans and their societies and develop a sophisticated understanding of the biological unity of our species. You will take courses that look at people from evolutionary, historical, and cultural perspectives. You will develop critical thinking in areas like globalization, politics, race, and cultural diversity. At the U of M, anthropology majors are therefore expected to take courses in cultural, biological, archaeological, and linguistic anthropologies.

Students interested in majoring in anthropology should review the requirements, and then meet with an adviser to declare a major, obtain information about academic opportunities, and explore career possibilities.

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Gilbert Tostevin
379 Humphrey
Phone: 612-625-5542
Email: toste003@umn.edu

Hours

Mondays 1:30-2:30pm, Wednesdays 3-5pm, Fridays 11-12pm

Advising

Peter Harle
Phone: 612-625-2379
Email: anthadv@umn.edu