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AnthropologyMajor

Watch the past come to life as you explore ruins and analyze artifacts. You’ll learn the origins of societies and understand how humans have interacted with themselves and nature for centuries, shaping how we live today.

Overview

What is Anthropology at WVU like?

Description

Anthropology allows you to reach out and touch history. Through exploration of ruins and the analysis of artifacts, the past comes to life. You will examine the origins and evolution, biological characteristics, material culture, social dimensions and dynamics of humankind. Learn the origins of societies and understand how humans have interacted with themselves and nature for centuries, shaping how we live today.

Delve deeply into the study of humans both past and present as an anthropology major. Anthropology, a field of inquiry considered the most humanistic of the social sciences and the most scientific of the humanities, is a deeply comparative and participatory discipline that prepares you for meaningful life and work in our diverse and interconnected world.

The curriculum fosters an awareness of the structure and diversity of human societies, past and present, and offers a broad range of perspectives on the experiences and meanings of being human. You will be exposed to the methods of inquiry and to the special knowledge and insights of anthropology.

At a Glance

Next Steps

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Fast Facts

What makes Anthropology at WVU unique?

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Student Organizations

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

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Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Common careers for Anthropology graduates include working as archaeologists, curators and field technicians, as well as other positions in government, healthcare, historic preservation, law and nonprofit organizations.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Anthropology major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Anthropology at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Anthropology major.

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Popular Courses

SOCA 254:
Cultural Anthropology

Introduction to the history, methods, and current directions of cultural anthropology. Focus on living cultures across the world, encompassing the whole range of human activities. Consideration of identity, economy, politics, kinship, meaning, language, and inequality.

SOCA 354:
Mesoamerican Archaeology

Overview of the diverse environments, social organizations, and lives of people in prehispanic cultures; from early food foragers through the Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, and Aztec. Explores how we understand and apply the Mesoamerican past.

SOCA 355:
Cultural Resource Management

Overview and evaluation of government-sponsored preservation and study of archaeological and historical resources in the U.S., emphasizing West Virginia. Considers attitudes/relationships between participants including descendant communities, looters, public and private sectors.

SOCA 357:
Archaeological Field School

(May be repeated for a maximum of six credit hours if different field schools.) Practical experience with the recovery and scientific study of archaeological remains. Emphasizes site survey, excavation, and laboratory techniques.

SOCA 450:
Archaeology of Ancient States

Using case studies such as ancient Sumer, Egypt, Indus, China, Mesoamerica, the Andes, and North America, this course surveys the theories and debunks the myths surrounding the emergence (and collapse) of cities and complex societies.

SOCA 458:
Environmental Anthropology

Critical ethnographic analysis of environmental problems, activism, and potential solutions, including issues related to biodiversity conservation, sustainability, natural disasters, industrial contamination, environmental knowledge, risk perception, and nature/culture dynamics among Western and non-Western peoples.

Cost and Aid

How much does Anthropology at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

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Scholarships

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

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Ways to Save

Here is a way for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Anthropology at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Anthropology major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

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Want to know more about Anthropology at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

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