Major in Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humanity. As an Anthropology major, you will join a community dedicated to understanding all aspects of the human condition, past and present. CSU Anthropology has several fields of specialization including archaeology, biological anthropology, paleoanthropology, and sociocultural anthropology.

Undergraduate students can pursue a general Anthropology degree focused on an appreciation of human diversity from a broad and holistic perspective or declare a concentration specializing in Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, or Cultural Anthropology. 

The department offers students many hands-on learning experiences including an Archaeology Field School, a Paleontology Field School, study abroad opportunities in Italy, England, and Belgium, and more than a dozen research centers and teaching laboratories. 

Careers in Anthropology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of anthropologists is expected to grow 4% between now and 2032. This is because anthropology majors receive broad academic training and acquire skills that are in high demand and suitable for careers the public and private sectors. An anthropology degree offers skills in critical thinking and communication, scientific research and analysis, laboratory techniques, archaeology survey & cataloguing, design survey, and awareness of the role of culture in shaping human reactions and perceptions which is critical to working in a multicultural world. Participating in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance students’ practical training and development. 

Anthropology provides students with a broad academic background suitable for a variety of jobs in the public and private sectors. Anthropology majors are trained to think independently and critically, communicate effectively, and function in a multicultural world. Employers appreciate liberal arts majors for their multiple skills and their ability to adapt to a variety of tasks and work environments. Participating in internships and cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance students’ practical training and development. 

Careers for graduates are available in cultural and natural resource management, international development, healthcare, project management, research, museum and collections management, education, business, and government. Graduates who go on for advanced studies can pursue careers in anthropology or attain advanced positions with the possibility of rising to executive professional levels.

Career opportunities for Anthropology graduates include:

• Museum curator / technician
• Project manager
• Cultural resource manager
• Market researcher
• Medical scientist
• Human resources / cultural affairs officer
• University instructor
• Forensic anthropologist or technician
• Project archaeologist
• GIS (Geographic Information System) analyst
• Historic preservation officer
• Scientific / technical writer
• Medical anthropologist
• Rural development staff

See what our alumni are doing with their Anthropology degrees and where anthropology can take you!

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Comprehend Human Diversity – Explain how culture, language, biology, and history shape human experiences across the world and through time.
2. Use Research Skills – Apply basic methods such as interviews, observation, and data analysis to study people and societies past and present.
3. Think Critically – Compare different perspectives and evaluate evidence before drawing conclusions.
4. Communicate Clearly – Express ideas about anthropological research findings in clear writing and presentations.
5. Connect Anthropology to Today’s World – Demonstrate how anthropological knowledge can help us understand and address modern issues such as inequality, globalization, health, and the environment and applied to a career after graduation.

Concentrations

• Archaeology Concentration
• Biological Anthropology Concentration
• Cultural Anthropology Concentration

Change of Major

To change your major to Anthropology, you can either call the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center at 970-491-3117, or send them an email.

Effective Fall 2026