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Social Science - BS: Anthropology Option

Page last updated July 29, 2009

The Anthropology degree at Michigan Tech allows to undergraduates a gain a broad introduction to the field of anthropology while also developing a more focused understanding of two areas where the department’s faculty have special strengths. As is common with most areas of the social sciences, professional careers in this field normally require a graduate degree. Thus this degree will introduce students to the primary nature of the field and prepare them for future success in graduate school.

The field of anthropology has four primary domains.

Physical anthropology focuses on the biological aspects of human and primate evolution as well as on the fossil record of human development of time. Scholars in this area shave devoted increasing attention to the DNA record.

Cultural anthropology examines human cultures and the diversity and variation between human cultures, attempting to provide a holistic view of humanity. Scholars in this area have long observed human cultures in their natural settings, such as the Bushman of the Kalahari Desert or native groups in the New Guinea, but this approach to the study of human beings works as well in studying the behavior of contemporary scientists in their laboratories.

Linguistics involves the study of human language and speech, usually with an eye the differences in the world’s languages. Such study is deeply inter-disciplinary.

Archaeology is the recovery and analysis of the material remains of human cultures, as well as the interpretation of this record of material cultures. This study includes attention to structures, artifacts, human remains, and landscapes. Archaeology can be applied to both prehistoric and historic cultures.

The program at Michigan Tech provides students with a broad introduction to all of these areas in a the fashion resembling that adopted at many liberal arts colleges. Students will find both breadth and selective depth in areas that match the professional interests and accomplishments of the faculty. The degree program is flexible and allows students ample opportunity to purse the topics that interest them.

Highlights of the program include opportunities to gain hands-on experience in archaeology, especially through the annual summer field school. Students also are expected to select as an area of upper division concentration either archaeology or environmental anthropology.

Graduation Requirements are for Non-transition Students.

For information about courses, see Undergraduate Instruction.