Anthropology
Undergraduate Minor College of Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Arts
About:
Famous anthropologist Alfred Kroeber said, “Anthropology is the most humanistic of the sciences and the most scientific of the humanities,” which means that as an anthropologist, you study to understand the breadth of human cultural and biological diversity.
Anthropology involves the study of humankind across space and time. At PLU, we offer several areas of focus. In cultural and archaeological anthropology, you’ll examine diverse aspects of culture and society, including the environment, economic systems, family and kinship, gender, religion, art, and more. Biological anthropology explores humans as part of the natural world, including our evolutionary history, biological variation, and the intersection of biology and culture.
Because of its breadth and versatility, anthropology can lead to a lot of different career paths. As the world becomes more connected, there’s a growing need for people who understand different cultures and ways of life. With an anthropology minor from PLU, you’ll be ready to make an impact in fields like museums, education, public health, international development, business, and non-profits.
Skills you'll gain from this program:
- Ethnographic & Field Research — Design and conduct field studies using observation, interviewing, mapping, and documentation to collect and analyze cultural data.
- Archaeological Methods — Learn excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and site interpretation to uncover and understand past human societies.
- Data Analysis & Interpretation — Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to find patterns in cultural behavior, biological variation, and social systems.
- Cross-Cultural Communication — Develop advanced communication skills for working with people from diverse backgrounds, both locally and globally.
- Human Evolution & Biological Analysis — Study skeletal and fossil evidence, genetic variation, and adaptation to understand human evolution and diversity.
- Applied Problem-Solving — Use anthropological tools to address contemporary issues in public health, education, business, and global development.
Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs
- District Archaeologist, Trinity National Forest, CA
- Park Ranger, Grand Canyon National Park
- Associate Cultural Resource Scientist, Puget Sound Energy
- Intelligence Specialist, United States Navy
- Photography, digital arts, & multimedia teacher, Ford Middle School
- Camp Director, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church
Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs
- Master of Science in Archaeology, University of Edinburgh
- Master of Science in Social Anthropology, University of Oxford
- Master of Arts in Anthropology, University of Wyoming
- Master of Arts in Indigenous Studies, University of Saskatchewan
- Master of Secondary Education, Arizona State University
- Master of Arts in Social Innovation, University of San Diego
It’s FREE to apply to PLU
When you're ready, we're here. Apply now and fulfill your potential!
Get StartedPLU has its own anthropology lab!
It’s a hands-on space where students can learn how to record archaeological findings, study real artifacts, and get experience using scientific methods to explore big questions about the past.
Want to study away?
Anthropology students have studied abroad (or attended summer field school programs) in England, Ireland, Greece, Belize, Scotland, Mexico, Ethiopia, and Romania.
