Major Maps

Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Science, or Associate of Fine Arts

Completing the associate degree will waive VCU's general education requirements.

The Bachelor of Science in Anthropology champions a holistic comparative approach to the study of the emergence, evolution, and diverse development and expression of humanity. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to investigate and understand the nature of human beings as they interact with and transform their social and natural conditions of existence. Students develop a deep appreciation for the diversity and unity of humanity and acquire the knowledge, experience, and skills to interact effectively with diverse populations and support mutually beneficial relations.

The degree introduces students to the methods of investigation and analysis used by scholars in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and to anthropology’s sub-disciplines of archaeological, biological, linguistic, and socio-cultural anthropology. In doing so, the B.S. in Anthropology provides a well-rounded understanding of the interacting complexity of forces that we shape and which shape who we are. The Anthropology degree provides a strong foundation in the theories and practices of anthropology and flexibility for students to pursue their own course of study. As is true with World Studies’ degrees in Foreign Languages, International Studies, and Religious Studies, Anthropology offers students opportunities to engage in real world learning through internships, lab-based and field research, and study abroad programs.

Students of anthropology acquire many skills relevant in today’s increasingly globalized economy in which the ability to communicate across cultures, think creatively, and see the world from diverse perspectives are vital to career success and life satisfaction. Anthropology majors are well prepared to work in public and private educational and cultural institutions, such as museums and preservation sites, as well as multinational corporations. All rely on persons with knowledge of human development and expression over time and place, have an appreciation for diverse forms of human experience and expression, and can understand and interact with diverse employees and customers.

Furthermore, students focusing on biological anthropology often follow professional paths in collection management, forensic science, or zoology. Anthropology majors graduate with excellent verbal and written communication skills transferable to a wide range or professions, making Anthropology majors especially valuable to growing businesses that seek to expand their operations into new areas requiring creativity, translating across cultures, and appreciation for human differences. Earning a B.S. in Anthropology is also considered an excellent foundation for advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry and other health-related fields.

We encourage students to double-major in Anthropology and one of the other majors degrees in the School of World Studies: Foreign Languages, International Studies or Religious Studies, as doing so strengthens their cumulative knowledge, experience, academic record and resume for success in whatever path they choose after graduation.