Undergraduate Anthropology

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Our program offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Anthropology, including optional specializations in Archaeology, Biocultural Anthropology, and Cultural & Linguistic Anthropology. Our programs provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human societies and cultures past and present, connecting approaches from the sciences and humanities.

As an applied anthropology program, we are committed to training students to apply cutting-edge theory and methods to solve pressing social problems in a wide range of careers. Our students learn to think critically about complex social systems, conduct intellectually rigorous and ethical research, work independently and as part of a team and communicate their insights to enhance intellectual and practical impact.

In an interconnected, complex and changing world, a degree in anthropology prepares students for careers in governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses, as well as advanced degrees.

Interested in connecting with other students studying anthropology? Contact our advising team to learn more about the OSU Anthropology Club.

Learning Outcomes

Course Descriptions

Program Tabs

Undergraduate Core Curriculum

Undergraduate Degree(s) Offered:

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Certificate

Honors Bachelor of Arts

Honors Bachelor of Science

Major requirements

Minor requirements

Language in Culture Certificate

Food in Culture & Social Justice Certificate

Undergraduate Major Degree Maps

Bachelor of Arts - 4 years

Bachelor of Science - 4 years

Undergraduate Options

General Anthropology

Description

Anthropology seeks to promote awareness of the complexity and diversity of humanity and the human experience—past and present—in its cultural, biological and ecological contexts. An Anthropology degree emphasizes cultural sensitivity and enables students to pursue a broad range of jobs requiring a liberal arts background; for example, education, human and governmental services, law, business, media and medicine. It prepares them especially well for work situations that emphasize cross-cultural awareness, international contacts and management of cultural resources. Anthropology curriculum provides a sound basis for later professional or graduate education. Option Code: 860

Archaeology

Description

The Archaeology option focuses on the material remains of past cultures and their environments. This option provides students with the essential field and laboratory skills necessary to collect, analyze and curate archaeological materials, as well as meet the ethical issues and legal responsibilities concerning cultural resource management. Option Code: 854

Biocultural Anthropology

Description

The Biocultural option focuses on the ways evolutionary biology, political-economy, ecology and culture interact to influence human health and behavior, over time and in cross-cultural perspective. This option prepares students to engage in ethical fieldwork, laboratory work and data analyses, to ultimately understand the intersections of biomarkers and other indicators of human health status, demographic processes, social relationships, cultural norms and political and economic inequalities. Option Code: 864

Cultural/Linguistic Anthropology

Description

The Cultural/Linguistic option focuses on the diversity of living cultures, in terms of their subsistence practices, sacred and secular rituals, economies, technology, arts, language and social institutions. This concentration prepares the student to engage in ethnographic research and to follow ethical and professional standards for cultural sensitivity in interpersonal and cross-cultural interactions. Option Code: 855

Food in Culture and Social Justice Certificate

Description

Food is more than simple nourishment. It is part of a system of communication firmly rooted in individual and group identities within cultures around the world. When and how we eat, what is considered acceptable to eat, how we prepare it and how we learn about producing and eating food are all fascinating questions to explore by humanists and social scientists. Histories of particular food commodities and changes in the way people think about sustaining healthy bodies richly contextualizes our present practices. Cultural analyses of food and food production lead us to question the level of social justice within the local and global food systems. Community food security is a condition in which all community residents obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes community self-reliance and social justice. Students who complete this certificate will not only have a clear idea of the cultural bases of food and food production, but will obtain some experience working towards community food security.

Language in Culture Certificate

Description

Are you intrigued by the nature of human languages and the central role of language in human culture? OSU undergraduates have the opportunity to focus their coursework in Language in Culture while pursuing the major of their choice. Students may enroll in this program in either Anthropology or World Languages and Literatures. They will then follow a coherent body of coursework in multiple departments and receive recognition of this fact on their transcripts and diploma. Students will learn about linguistic diversity, first and second language acquisition and the ways in which communication patterns vary from cultural group to cultural group. The application of sociolinguistic research to real life problems is a cornerstone of the program.

This certificate program can easily be completed within a 4 year B.A. degree since certificate credits can be concurrent with both major requirements and Baccalaureate Core requirements. Baccalaureate Core requirements, however, cannot be taken within the major department.

Minor

Global Development Studies Minor

“Development” refers to the expansion of economic activity, integration into global flows of information and commerce, and improvement of the quality of life. The undergraduate minor program in Global Development Studies at OSU is designed to help students understand the challenges faced by developing communities and countries, including economic inequality, poverty, health and wellness, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary and practical solutions to international development problems.

Courses address both thematic and regional dimensions of international development. Some required and elective courses may also count toward fulfillment of baccalaureate core requirements in categories such as "Contemporary Global Issues," “Cultural Diversity,” “Science, Technology and Society,” and “Social Processes and Institutions.” Courses will be offered on campus, with the potential for some instruction via Ecampus. Students will be encouraged to participate in research projects, international experiences, and applied work (e.g., internships, service learning, etc.). Minor Code: 711

Indigenous Studies Minor

Oregon State University’s Indigenous Studies Minor is founded and grounded in the understanding that indigeneity and innovation are central to the health, well-being and survivance of indigenous communities. The mission of the Indigenous Studies Minor is to educate university graduates about Indigenous histories and contemporary issues, develop and enhance their responsibilities to Indigenous knowledges, build their skills for supporting Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty, offer engagement in the work of decolonization, and prepare them to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities and peoples at the local, regional, national and international level. Minor Code: 024

Social Justice Minor

A grade of C– or better is required for all courses used to complete minor requirements. Such courses cannot be taken for an S/U grade. For more information please see https://catalog.oregonstate.edu/college-departments/liberal-arts/school-language-culture-society/anthropology-minor/

Anthropology

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