Anthropology, BS
Purdue University in West Lafayette
Anthropology considers humankind from a holistic perspective that aims for an understanding of how culture, biology, history, and language intersect. Purdue University offers students the option to pursue either a B.S. or B.A. in Anthropology. Distinctive to the Anthropology B.S. degree is the requirement for degree seekers to demonstrate knowledge of analytical and/or computational methods as well as scientific research ethics.
Anthropology is an inclusive discipline that studies all aspects of what it means to be human. Often referred to as the most scientific of the humanities and most humanistic of the sciences, the intersection of biology and culture from an anthropological perspective means students experience a thorough and balanced four-field (biological, archaeological, cultural, and linguistic) undergraduate training. This positions them to apply their anthropology knowledge while pursuing a wide range of careers. Our Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology integrates skill development in quantitative methods, data science, and ethics to prepare students for further training in the health professions, biological sciences, archaeological sciences, forensic investigation, science and technology, environmental sustainability, and other applied anthropology fields.
Degree in 3
Motivated, driven students can complete this major in three years. Degree in 3 allows students to enter the workforce or graduate school a year earlier while also providing a cost-effective way to complete an undergraduate degree. Degree in 3 offers a great combination of cost-savings and the opportunity to accelerate your future and achieve your goals.Instructional Excellence Spotlights
In 2024, two members of the Anthropology faculty were recognized for their excellence in teaching! Sherylyn Briller earned the Kenneth T. Kofmehl Outstanding Teaching Award and Ian Lindsay received the College of Liberal Arts Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher. Awardees are selected from among nominations submitted by departments to the CLA Educational Excellence Awards Committee and the Dean on the basis of student and faculty nominations, student ratings, teaching and scholarly excellence, and peer evaluation.
Plan of Study
Concentrations Include:
- Anthropology of Health Concentration for Anthropology
- Applied Anthropology Concentration for Anthropology
- Archaeological Sciences Concentration for Anthropology
- Bioarchaeology and Forensic Anthropology Concentration for Anthropology
- Biological Anthropology Concentration for Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology Concentration for Anthropology
- Ecological and Environmental Anthropology Concentration for Anthropology
- ANTH 21500 - Introduction To Forensic Anthropology: Introduction to forensic anthropology, the science that utilizes methods from skeletal biology and archaeology as tools in human identification in a medico-legal context. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the sequential order of applied work from the search for forensic scenes through the recovery of remains, and skeletal analysis in the laboratory.
- ANTH 33500 - Primate Behavior: This course is an introduction to the primate order and primate studies. The emphasis is on field studies. Ecological influences on social organization and behavior, learning, play, and communication will be considered as adaptations within an evolutionary framework.
- ANTH 34600 - Pregnancy, Birth, and Babies: This course examines human universal patterns and cross-cultural variation in pregnancy, birth, and infant care practices, using evolutionary and biocultural perspectives. Students will connect course themes to current events and controversies, such as medical models of birth, public breastfeeding, and parent-infant co-sleeping.
- ANTH 38400 - Designing For People: Anthropological Approaches: This course is about designing for people. You will use anthropological knowledge and skills to better understand human and technology interactions. With students from other fields, you will learn how to apply an anthropological perspective to human-centered design and design with the needs of a specific user group in mind.
Transfer to Anthropology, BS
Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue's overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Contact Information
Undergraduate Student Recruitment Office
(765) 494-6291
newstudent@purdue.edu
Careers in Anthropology, BS
- Health Professional
- Forensic Scientist
- Data Scientist
- Environmental Impact Assessor
- Urban Planner
- Educator
- Museum and Archive Curator
- Government Researcher
- Non-Profit Manager
- Cultural Resource Manager
- Policy Analyst
- UX Researcher