What is anthropology?
Anthropology explores what it means to be human across cultures, communities and time. At ÃÛѨÊÓƵ, you’ll study how people live, adapt and make meaning in the world through archaeology, cultural anthropology and hands‑on research. You’ll learn to analyze material evidence, interpret cultural practices and understand the deep connections between people and their environments.
Curious whether this program is the right fit?
Share a little about yourself through our information request form to connect with an admission counselor and get answers about the anthropology program.
What You Can Expect
EXCEPTIONAL FACULTY
Work with outstanding faculty members who have a broad range of local, regional and national connections and expertise in areas such as archaeology of North America, contact and colonization, resilience, museum studies, medical anthropology, linguistics, religion and East Asian cultures.
A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Build lasting and impactful connections in a department that emphasizes close faculty mentorship, small class sizes, personalized attention and community-building.
HANDS-ON, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Enhance your studies and deepen your understanding through community service, internships, field trips, collaborative research with faculty, study abroad opportunities, senior thesis projects and hands-on archaeological and museum experience.
Why Study Anthropology at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ's department of sociology and anthropology offers a distinctive and engaging interdisciplinary sociology-anthropology curriculum with breadth across the core and depth in each major. Our program is unique in that it has a joint department but separate majors. While students focus on the field that most interests them, they still get the best of both disciplines and gain a broader perspective and understanding of human behavior. The broad range of skills gained in our programs are directly related to those valued most by employers.
Accolades & Rankings
#1 Liberal Arts College in Oregon for Earning Performance
- Washington Monthly
#1 Liberal Arts College in Oregon for Social Mobility
- U.S. News and World Report
#1 Best Value College in Oregon
- Niche
What financial assistance is available?
Financing your college education can feel like a lot to manage, but ÃÛѨÊÓƵ is here to help make the process clearer and more manageable. ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s Financial Aid Office offers personalized guidance from experienced counselors who can help you understand your options, plan ahead, navigate the and answer any questions along the way.
You can also plan ahead by estimating your cost of attendance using ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
ÃÛѨÊÓƵ offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to help reduce the cost of college. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered for many ÃÛѨÊÓƵ scholarships. Additional scholarships are available based on academic interests, achievements, life experiences and personal background.
Learn more about available scholarships on ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s Scholarships page.
Anthropology Career Outlook
An anthropology degree can open doors for your career
Through 2034, social science-related occupations are expected to grow by 4%*. In 2023, the median annual wage for anthropologists and archaeologists was $64,910, exceeding the national average of $49,000. While your income heavily depends on where you live, your level of education and the depth of your experience, enriching your expertise can help support your career growth and financial stability.
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You can pursue work in fields such as:
- Museums
- Archaeology
- Education
- Nonprofit work
- Business
- Healthcare/public health
Ready to take the next step?
Anthropology Admission
Begin your journey to studying at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ. Start your application.
Questions about the program?
Reach out to our department chair and they will be happy to answer your questions.