Anthropology (B.A.)

Why Study Anthropology?

Here at Commonwealth, you'll find anthropology divided into three study areas:

• cultural anthropology, which studies ways of life in societies across the world;
• physical anthropology, which traces human origins and biological variability
• prehistoric archaeology, which seeks to explain human behavior by studying material remains from past cultures

You'll take courses in cultural anthropology, prehistoric archaeology, human origins, history of anthropology, research and writing skills and choose from classes in field archaeology, field methods, independent study or an internship. We emphasize a strong foundation in the major subfields of anthropology; cultural anthropology, biological (physical) anthropology, and archaeology. Our program is structured to both introduce you to the anthropology field, as well as allow you to focus on their specific interest within anthropology. Thus we have developed a set of core courses and electives reflected in three tracks of studies:

• General - students not yet specialized
• Applied - personal training and application for careers in all three sub fields
• Research - appropriate for students who plan to pursue graduate school 

It all adds up to allowing you to precisely tailor an anthropology program for your personal career goals and interests. This curriculum is designed to prepare you for admission to graduate school in anthropology. Each year, approximately one-third of the seniors majoring in anthropology apply to graduate school, with 90 percent accepted at their first-choice institution.