Anthropology B.A./B.S.

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There are four major subfields of anthropology. Physical anthropology explores the origins of human life and the biological bases of culture. Archaeology examines the development of human cultures from prehistory and ancient civilizations to historic and modern times. Linguistic anthropology focuses on the languages and dialects of the world and the relationships of language to thought and culture. Cultural anthropology studies human behavior by surveying the range and variety of cultural traditions throughout the world. Some anthropology majors generalize, while others specialize in one or more of the subfields.

Entrance requirements for anthropology majors

Students interested in becoming anthropology majors should consult with faculty advisors. To be admitted as an anthropology major, a student must present evidence of having earned a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 based on a minimum of 12 credit hours earned at K-State. Pre-anthropology majors will be advised in the program.

Students transferring from other institutions with a GPA of 2.5 or higher will be accepted as majors when they have fulfilled the above requirements.

To graduate with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, a student must fulfill program requirements and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on all anthropology course work undertaken at Kansas State University.

Bachelor’s degree requirements

In addition to the general BA or BS requirements, anthropology majors take a minimum of 30 hours in anthropology as follows:

Introductions to the four subfields (12 credit hours)

ANTH 200 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Credits: (3)
or
ANTH 204 - A General Education Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Credits: (3)
or
ANTH 210 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Honors Credits: (4)
ANTH 220 - Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology Credits: (3)
ANTH 260 - Introduction to Archeology Credits: (3)
ANTH 280 - Introduction to Physical Anthropology Credits: (3)

Advanced electives (15 credit hours)

Five advanced electives distributed among three or more subfields.
15 hours at or above the 300 level. At least 9 of these must be at or above the 500 level.
Students are strongly encouraged to include at least one methods course:

ANTH 677 - Digital Ethnography Credits: (3)
ANTH 678 - Archaeological Laboratory Methods Credits: (3)
ANTH 679 - Archaeological Field Methods Credits: (3)
ANTH 694 - Osteology Credits: (3)
and
ANTH 695 - Laboratory in Osteology Credits: (1)
ANTH 730 - Field and Laboratory Techniques in Archaeology Credits: (1-9)
ANTH 792 - Field Methods in Linguistics Credits: (3)

Capstone course

ANTH 602 - Anthropological Theory Credits: (3)

Note

Many anthropology students prepare for the variety of occupations concerned with human relations by combining anthropological study with other training, frequently by majoring in two fields. Each program of study is worked out individually by a student and his or her advisor. Interested students may obtain additional information from the Guide for Prospective Anthropology Majors, which is available from the anthropology program coordinator.