Major and Minor

Students who entered UMass prior to fall 2018

The anthropology major coursework requirements are challenging but flexible; the major is designed to provide a strong foundation in anthropology while encouraging interdisciplinary studies. These students must also complete the Global Education Requirement of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Anthropology requirements

• 36 Credits Total–30 of those credits  at 190 level or above

• At least one class in three out of the four subfields (cultural, biological, archaeology, linguistics) at 300 level or above

• 364-Junior Year Writing Class

• 281 Methods in Anthropology

• An IE (Integrative Experience) Class

• “Doing” Course–These are courses that put anthropological theory and methods into practice, many anthropology courses qualify as a doing course

There is no mandatory sequence for meeting the above requirements; when and how to take the above requirements will vary depending on student interests, plan, and schedule. However, students should meet with an anthropology advisor to ensure that requirements are being met in a timely and effective way. Also, students should use the following as a general guide for developing their coursework and related academic and co-curricular activities.

Concentrations: Pathways Through the Major

To help organize your anthropological interests as they develop, coursework in the major can be understood in relation to a number of areas or concentrations. These concentrations reflect faculty research and are intended to integrate two or more of the traditional subfields of anthropology: biological anthropology, archaeology, cultural anthropology, and linguistics.

We advocate an expansive approach in which courses within a pathway will complement each other and expose students to different subfields.

• Health and the Body

• Native American and Indigenous Studies

• Evolutionary Anthropology

• Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

• Race, Inequality, and Social Justice—The Americas

• Culture, Power, History—Europe and the Mediterranean

• Individually Designed Concentration

The list of courses in each concentration may change some according to the expertise of our faculty and the new courses we create. Approach each list as a guide and talk with our chief undergraduate advisor about how you can combine courses in a way that fits your interests and possible career path.  

Students may also opt for the anthropology minor, which should reflect a focused area of study.  An anthropology minor enables you to gain preparation and grounding in some particular facet of the discipline without fulfilling the full range of requirements of the major. 

MORE INFORMATION

Year One Explore the department! During your first year, you are encouraged to take your time. Get situated in the department. Attend anthro-club meetings and/or involve yourself in campus organizations. In the department, take introductory classes and maybe a topical course or two. If you have a clear idea of your academic and career goals, great! If not, that’s great too! But, you should begin to consider which areas of concentration you find the most appealing.

Year Two Find your focus! During your second year, ideally, you will develop your interests and goals in relation to a chosen concentration. Continue to take courses that interest you; in particular focus on topical courses at the 200 and 300 levels. Reflect on how those courses connect and resonate with your interests. Begin to investigate potential internships, study abroad opportunities, field schools, and engaged programs.

Year Three Work towards your goals! Your third year is a time to hone your anthropological knowledge, develop your skills, and engage in the broader community and/or world. Take 300-level topical courses (and Anthro 364). Engage in a field school or a semester abroad. Participate in an internship or field school. Locate research opportunities.

Year Four Prepare for graduation! Your final year! Finish up any requirements. Be intentional and selective about your remaining courses. Engage in meaningful research and writing. Connect your work to the campus or community. Meet with career services and anthropology advisor to craft a post-graduation plan.

Requirements

All anthropology majors must complete 42 credits. Click here to explore the specific courses that meet the following requirements:

• Two Foundation Courses

• Four Core Courses
  • The following concentrations are offered, these are optional, not required. 
    • Medical Anthropology and Global Health
    • Evolutionary Anthropology
    • Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
    • Cultural Anthropology

• Research Methods Sequence: AN 281 (statistics) and an Advanced Research Methods Course.

• AN 364 Problems in Anthropology (Junior Year Writing)

• An Integrative Experience Class 

• International/Intercultural Requirement

Minor requirements

All students must take at least five courses and reach a minimum of 15 credits in anthropology courses.

• One course must be at or below 200-level.

• Four courses must be 200-level or above. 

• No course for the minor may be taken as pass/fail.

• No more than one course may be transferred from another college or university.

• Only one independent study or practicum (three-credit course) may be counted.

• The deadline to declare an anthropology minor is the LAST day of classes for the semester in which you are graduating.

Some students choose to enhance or expand their studies by completing a complementary certificate or special program including:

• Commonwealth Honors College
• Civic Engagement and Service Learning (CESL)
• Certificate Program in Native American Indian Studies
• Certificate in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies
• Five College Culture, Health, and Science Program
• Summer Field School in Archaeology
• UMass Alliance for Community Transformation