Anthropology

Anthropology is a major and minor at F&M. Our program is distinguished among private liberal arts colleges for its comprehensive blend of cultural anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. By studying anthropology at F&M, you’ll explore humanity through anthropological theory and research, inspecting questions like the natural roles of parents, the meaning of work, the function of ritual, and more. 

By the time you graduate, you will have earned: 

• A broad understanding of the world’s cultural, social and biological diversity in the past and present. 
• The skills for comparative perspective to reflect upon your own lives, beliefs and accepted assumptions. 
• A foundation for anthropological study using social science and natural science.
• A holistic liberal education outlook that provides a strong background in critical thinking, analysis and writing.
• Broad appreciation for global diversity and deep empathy for others.

Curious about what anthropology classes are like? Peruse our course catalog to see the depth and breadth of what’s available to you.

You’ll discover that anthropological studies frequently spill out of the classroom and into the field. With research opportunities, off-campus study, the Anthropology Club, and more, there are a plethora of ways to immerse yourself in anthropology at F&M.

Research Opportunities

As you dig into anthropology, you will unearth theories and questions about your field. At F&M, every student is prepared for graduate school through extraordinary opportunities to engage in independent or faculty-led research . Anthropology students have researched a wide range of anthropological ideas, from fashion costumes in different cultures to how fishing communities endure when rivers dry up. 
Explore research at F&M

Off-Campus Study

At F&M, you’ll find extraordinary opportunities to study abroad. Our anthropology majors have studied in Ireland, Russia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, China, Japan, Morocco, Senegal and Ethiopia, to name a few places. As an anthropology major, you can make study abroad integral to your experiences and research.
Explore off-campus study at F&M

The Anthropology Club

Join the Anthropology Club, an F&M student organization that sponsors films, speakers and special events as well as publishes The Kituhwan, a student journal featuring anthropology student papers.

Museums & Libraries

F&M’s own Phillips Museum of Art and the nearby North Museum, a natural historical collection located near campus, offer comprehensive materials on anthropological subjects. Additional resources for anthropology students include F&M’s two research libraries: Shadek-Fackenthal Library and Martin Library of the Sciences, which houses F&M’s archives and special collections.
Explore F&M College Library

After you graduate with a degree in anthropology, what next? A rich field of opportunities awaits. 

Graduate School

Most of our anthropology majors choose to pursue graduate school after F&M. Many complete or enroll in doctoral programs in science, medicine or law. Our graduates have completed their advanced degrees at the best universities in the U.S. and abroad.

Career Paths

Career outcomes for anthropology graduates are diverse. Many obtain entry-level positions in education, archaeology, business, historic preservation, museum curation, international development, forensics, law and tourism. Our alumni have also held positions such as:

• Anthropologists
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Human Rights Lawyer
• Museum Curator

With a liberal arts degree, the world is at your fingertips. Just keep in mind what professional anthropologists can do:

• Teach and research at colleges and universities
• Investigate historical sites and artifacts for the World Bank 
• Forensic research at world heritage sites for the United Nations 
• Advise and consult on policy, law and governance
• Excavate indigenous sites 
• And so much more!