Social Sciences

Anthropology Bachelor's Degree

Understanding Humanity, One Culture at a Time

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

With Michigan Tech’s Anthropology bachelor’s degree you’ll study cultural values, how people make meaning of life experiences, and human adaption.

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.

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. Archaeologists study structures, artifacts, human remains, and landscapes.
  • Cultural anthropology is the study of human cultures in a holistic and comparative fashion. Cultural anthropologists use ethnographic methods to study cultures, which means they participate fully in daily life of the cultural group they are studying.

Research and Internship Opportunities

  • Work one-on-one with faculty doing research in the UPERSS program during the academic year. 
  • Apply for funding to do summer research as an undergraduate through the SURF program. 
  • Write your senior thesis based on anthropological data you have analyzed and interpreted.
  • Intern at an organization related to your major such as a museum, federal agency, or nonprofit. 

Fast-track Your Master's Degree 

You can earn an Accelerated MS degree in Industrial Heritage and Archaeology in just one additional year at Michigan Tech beyond your Anthropology bachelor’s.

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Tomorrow Needs Talented Anthropologists

Our graduates can be found working for Cultural Resource Management firms, historic sites, scientific media outlets, a tribal community program for youth, and more. Read more about Alex Atkinson’s career journey and work as a professional archaeologist.

Be Career Ready

Career Opportunities for Anthropology Majors

Students with a B.S. in Anthropology can expect to work in a variety of areas like administration, business, nonprofits, or public history. 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; others work in cultural resource management and heritage to evaluate and preserve culturally significant sites. 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 Park Service
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • SWCA Environmental Consultants
  • Tetra Tech
  • Trileaf Corporation
  • US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

— Put Your Passion Into Practice

Ready to takethe next step?

Michigan Tech is for students who aren’t afraid of a challenge. If you’re ready to work hard, build more, and make an impact, you’re ready to run with the Huskies.

Two students walking in front of the Husky Statue.

Campus Life

Cost and Aid

Enrollment

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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.

Huskies Are Ready to Run

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