Social Sciences

Anthropology Bachelor's Degree

Uncover, Discover, and Share Humanity's Story

Conduct research on real-world project alongside your professors. Michigan Tech's proximity to historic sites, national parks, and national forests lets you dig into hands-on learning opportunities. And our interdisciplinary approach to learning allows you to work with experts in GIS, survey methods, statistics, and other technical skills outside the scope of a traditional anthropology program.

Study human cultures and their development using biological, physical, written, linguistic, and ethnographic evidence in the bachelor of science in anthropology degree program at Michigan Tech. Find and interpret evidence to better understand the similarities and differences between cultures. 

With Michigan Tech’s Anthropology bachelor’s degree you’ll gain insight into what members of different groups value, how they make meaning of life experiences, and adapt.  

You’ll work closely with faculty from the start of your undergraduate career. After you complete fieldwork and research, you'll have opportunities to present your findings to the scientific community through conferences, publications, and exhibits.

Discover regional histories and cultures, global change, world peoples and environment, language and culture, human evolution, and archaeology. Develop skills in finding and interpreting evidence to prepare for careers in investigative fields, community health, environmental protection, and education at all levels.

Focus on Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology

  • Archaeology is the recovery and analysis of the material remains of prehistoric and historic human cultures, as well as the interpretation of this material culture. Archaeologists study structures, artifacts, human remains, and landscapes.
  • Cultural anthropology is the study of human cultures in a holistic fashion, using ethnographic methods to identify similarities and differences with other cultures and groups. Originally, cultural anthropologists focused largely on non-Western cultures, but the scope of their work has grown to include humans in any setting.

Take courses you're most passionate about in anthropology, archaeology, history/sociology, and the environment. Other electives and the University’s essential education program allow you to pursue interests in areas like business, communications, computing, and the arts.

Fast-track Your Master's Degree 

Earn an Accelerated MS degree in Industrial Heritage and Archaeology. You can do it in just one additional year at Michigan Tech with your BS in Anthropology.

  • No. 11
    best value public college in America, based on net price and return on investment metrics (Niche)
  • 4+
    faculty-led study away programs
  • 6
    minors to pair with your degree
  • 6
    average lab size

Tomorrow Needs Talented Anthropologists

As societies become increasingly diverse and complex, understanding human behavior, cultures, and interactions will be essential to solving the challenges that lie ahead. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom with real-world experience: internships, study abroad/away, undergraduate research opportunities, and Enterprise projects. A Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology gives you the tools you need to succeed. As a result, you’ll be prepared to significantly contribute to shaping a better future for humanity and making an impact.

Be Career Ready

Career Opportunities for Anthropology Majors

Students with a B.S. in Anthropology can expect to work in less specialized areas, including administration, social work, and market research. You can explore many different career paths in government, academia, business, or community service organizations with a Bachelor of Science in anthropology. Career opportunities can be found as:

  • Admissions Advisor
  • Archaeologist
  • Community Organizer
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Cultural Ambassador
  • Environmental Anthropologist
  • ESL Specialist
  • Ethnologist
  • Forensic Anthropologist
  • Legislative Analyst/Staff
  • Market Researcher
  • Medical Anthropologist
  • Museum Curator
  • Paleontologist
  • Primatologist
  • Public Administrator
  • Student Affairs Administrator
  • Social Worker
  • Teacher
  • Writer

Companies Hiring Anthropology Majors

Many companies are interested in hiring anthropology majors to do ethnographic  research on consumer habits so they can offer more relevant products and service them better. The growing list of companies hiring anthropology majors includes:

  • Adidas
  • AECON
  • Amazon
  • Bosch
  • Citicorp
  • Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)
  • Discover Financial Services
  • Ford Foundation
  • General Mills
  • Google
  • Hallmark
  • Hauser Design
  • Intel
  • Microsoft
  • National Science Foundation
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • SWCA Environmental Consultants
  • Tetra Tech
  • Trileaf Corporation
  • US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying anthropology at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Watch Anthropology Major at Michigan Technological University video
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"In anthropology, you're getting your hands dirty on something that is historically and archaeologically oriented. It's something you don't expect when you are a student, but here at Tech, you definitely are." Dalton VasBinder '24,
BS Anthropology

Study Social Sciences at a Technological University

Learn how to apply technology to solve social problems and issues in sustainability, human health, environment, and social justice. Gain skills to work successfully in diverse teams through cultural anthropology and sociology; analyze the past and its impact today in history and archaeology; or present arguments on pressing legal issues as you prepare for law school. Build knowledge and research foundations required to succeed in graduate school, research, or the job market. Conduct research that makes a real difference in communities with faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors.

  • Get personalized attention: With a student-faculty ratio of 4:1, your academic advisors and professors know you and understand your interests and needs. You can receive the guidance you need in a timely fashion. They can help pair you with undergraduate research, internship and job opportunities that meet your needs and provide valuable experience.
  • Customize your education: Tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway. At Michigan Tech, our programs span anthropology, policy and community development, social science, and sustainability science and society. That interdisciplinary approach gives you exposure to different areas of the social sciences. Choose from 7 different minors in the department (American Studies, Global Community Development Partnerships, Global Studies, Historical Studies, Law and Society, Social and Behavioral Studies, and Sustainable Science and Society), or add any one of Michigan Tech’s 80+ minors.
  • Study Abroad: Check out our study abroad/away programs and study sustainability in Costa Rica or industrial heritage in Wales, among other options.
  • Jumpstart your career: You'll complete at least one capstone co-op, internship, or research project to deepen your learning and build your resume. Get a master's in just one additional year with our accelerated master's program. Position yourself for a number of impactful jobs with a certificate in public policy.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Undergraduate Majors in Social Sciences

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

"I’m not a passive participant. I’m not just along for the ride. In pretty much every class, particularly the upper level classes, you are actively participating in work that is being done."Chris Charteris '23, BS Anthropology