Majoring in anthropology will provide a background in behavioral studies ideal if you're interested in biological or social sciences. You can get research experience in science and the humanities through ethnographic or biological research or archaeology field schools.
Through this major, you'll develop critical thinking skills that will support careers that involve working with individuals of diverse national or ethnic backgrounds. You'll develop an appreciation of the value of physical and cultural differences at the local, national and global levels.
Most undergraduates in anthropology at Texas A&M select this major because they can acquire a sound education.
What is Anthropology?
Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human in the broadest sense, through an examination of:
- Culture and society (sociocultural and linguistic anthropology)
- Biology and evolution of humans and our closest relatives (biological anthropology)
- Past human communities and material culture (archaeology)
Choose Your Degree
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Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology — General Anthropology Track
The Bachelor of Arts general anthropology track teaches foundations in three subfields of anthropology:
- Archaeology
- Biological anthropology
- Cultural anthropology
You'll have the option to pursue upper-level courses in each of these subfields.
This program includes the completion of 31 hours of major coursework, along with 14 hours of college-level foreign language. This degree is well-suited for students seeking to learn more about the differing areas of Anthropology (biological, cultural, archaeology), with flexibility to pursue classes across the department to fulfill major coursework. This degree program would be appropriate for students interested in pursuing socio-cultural and linguistic areas of the anthropology field.
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Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology — Archaeology Track
The Bachelor of Arts in archaeology track teaches foundations in the fourth subfield of anthropology — archeology.
You'll take multiple upper-level courses which focus on specific topics in archaeology.
Students may opt to complete an “Archaeology Track” as part of their B.A. in Anthropology, which consists of 31 hours of major coursework and completion of 14 hours of college-level foreign language. The completion of this track will be acknowledged on student transcripts, but not on student diplomas. This program is built specifically around knowledge and skills in Archaeology, but also requires a field experience as a part of the degree.
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Bachelor of Science in Anthropology
The Bachelor of Science option focuses slightly more on scientific and mathematical coursework.
This anthropology major requires 31 hours of anthropology courses, along with 12 hours of additional science coursework (in addition to 9 hours of core sciences, totaling 21 hours of science for the degree). This degree was primarily developed in support of students pursuing data- and research-focused careers, but can also be beneficial to students seeking careers in biological and archaeological fields. Students interested in pursuing graduate work in Nautical Archaeology might also find the BS program suitable in preparing for understanding archaeology in the context of maritime environments.
Enhance Your Degree with a Minor
Anthropology majors can select a minor to accompany their major field of study. Minors are 15–18 credit hours and will display on your transcript after graduation, but not on your diploma.
Careers
The anthropology major is ideal if you want to pursue a professional career or graduate study in anthropology or archaeology. You will also be prepared for employment opportunities or careers in:
- Secondary or higher education
- Medicine
- Law
- Museum and foundation settings
- Local, state and federal government (such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs and National Institute of Health)
- Non-governmental organizations and nonprofit organizations
- Foreign service with government agencies (such as the Agency for International Development or the United Nations)
- Private archaeological research institutions
- Nontraditional opportunities emerging in business and management.