Anthropology—BS

Get Ready to Make an Impact

Are you interested in how cultures evolve? Then a BS in anthropology just might be the degree for you. You’ll study human cultures and their development–using biological, physical, written, linguistic, and ethnographic evidence. 

You’ll learn how anthropology helps us to recognize the similarities and differences between cultures, providing insight into what members of different groups value, how they make meaning of life experiences, and adapt.  You’ll discover regional histories and cultures, global change, world peoples and environment, language and culture, human evolution, and archaeology. You’ll 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 general education program, allows you to pursue interests in other areas like business, communications, or the arts, too.

Degree Courses

A Master’s Degree in Your Plans? 

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.

  • 8
    anthropologist rank in best science jobs
  • $2,500
    to apply to study abroad programs
  • 7
    minors to pair with your degree
  • 90%
    undergraduates involved in research

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.

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.

"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 Anthropology 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; document and analyze the past 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. With faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors, you’ll conduct research that makes a real difference in communities. 

  • Get personalized attention: With a student:faculty ratio of 4:1, our smaller department ensures 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 better help pair you with research, internship, and job opportunities that meet your needs and provide valuable experience.
  • Customize your anthropology education: Tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway. At Michigan Tech, our programs span anthropology, history, 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 80+ minors across the university.
  • Study Abroad: All incoming undergraduate majors in the Department of Social Sciences at Michigan Tech receive a $2500 voucher that can be used for one or more study away/abroad programs. Travel for free (or close to it) to study sustainability in Costa Rica or the Western USA via Amtrak.
  • Jumpstart Your Career: You'll complete at least one capstone co-op, internship, or research project to deepen your learning and build your resume. Position yourself for many impactful jobs with a certificate in public policy. Get a master's in just one additional year in environmental and energy policy and boost your earnings potential and employment options.
  • Dive Into Discovery: Do undergraduate research. Research is the best way to understand how human behavior is organized, how people make collective choices, and how social structures and daily practices change over time. You’ll work alongside Michigan Tech faculty and researchers conducting research to help communities and policy makers make informed choices in environmental and energy policy and industrial heritage. Study the diverse cultural heritage of copper mining in the Keweenaw, analyze the development of labor markets or public education choices, and analyze migration patterns.

Undergraduate Majors in Social Sciences

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem.
Just declare the General Sciences and Arts major, give yourself time, and decide when you arrive on campus.
To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Undergraduate Minors

Enhance your knowledge beyond your field of study. Explore a passion outside your major. Students from all majors can add a minor in the Social Sciences. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

  • American Studies
  • Global Community Development Partnerships
  • Global Studies
  • Historical Studies
  • Law and Society
  • Social and Behavioral Studies
  • Sustainability Science and Society

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your anthropology skills at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to bridge cultural gaps and create solutions that promote inclusivity and sustainability in our increasingly technology-driven world.

"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