Department of Anthropology
Undergraduate Information
What does training in Anthropology do for you?
Anthropology majors develop cross-cultural communication, human relations, critical thinking, writing, analysis, evaluation, problem-solving, planning, and community outreach skills. It is an ideal field to prepare for jobs that require people skills, and understanding of multicultural and institutional dynamics. The minor in Anthropology is also valuable for those planning to work with diverse national and international populations.
Whether you are seeking a degree in anthropology or pursuing an interest in anthropology through electives, the undergraduate anthropology program will give you the opportunity to study the cultures and behaviors of people from around the world throughout time. A degree in anthropology presents diverse opportunities and serves as a good foundation in fields ranging from pre-med to pre-law. Our dynamic and award-winning faculty create opportunities for enriched learning geared towards a broad array of interests. A recent survey of graduating seniors in the anthropology program found that 100% were 'very satisfied' with the accessibility of faculty and 94% were 'very satisfied' with the quality of teaching in the department. 89% of graduating seniors were very satisfied with the faculty's concern for their progress. Click here to find out what some of our undergrad alums are doing now.
In this section:
- Major Requirements
- Minor Requirements
- Honors in Anthropology
- Accelerated B.A / M.A. in Anthropology
- Class Scheduling
- Archaeology
- Internships
Undergraduate Advising Coordinator
Dr. Ted Maclin
Phone: (901) 678-2080
Set up an advising appointment.
Bachelor of Arts with Major in Anthropology
Our department offers an undergraduate major in Anthropology. Those seeking a major in anthropology, in addition to completing University requirements for a BA degree, are required to take 30 hours of anthropology courses, including:
- ANTH 1100 - Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, and Human Evolution Credit Hours: (3)
- ANTH 1200 - Cultural Anthropology ** Credit Hours: (3)
- ANTH 3200 - Culture and Change around the World Credit Hours: (3)
- ANTH 4065 - Anthropological Theory Credit Hours: (3)
- And 18 additional semester hours in anthropology (at least 15 hours at the upper division level.)
Major in Anthropology with a Concentration in Applied Anthropology
The concentration will provide a skills-based series of courses that offers concrete training in qualitative methodology and what it means to be a practicing anthropologist.
Students seeking the Anthropology BA with a Concentration in Applied Anthropology are required to take 30 hours of anthropology courses, including:
- All the core course requirements for the Anthropology BA (ANTH 1100, ANTH 1200, ANTH 3200, ANTH 4065) (12 credit hours)
- 2 additional core courses (ANTH 3010—Practicing Anthropology—and ANTH 4010—Ethnographic Methods) (6 credit hours)
- 2 elective courses (6 credit hours) that revolve around a community-based project and direct work with a faculty advisor. There are many options, but priority to the studio-based course (ANTH 4510) and internship (ANTH 4970). Talk with the undergrad advisor for details!
- And 6 additional semester hours in anthropology at the upper division level.
Bachelor of Arts with Minor in Anthropology
This minor provides a grounding in modern anthropology, including the basics of archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistics. The focus of this minor is on providing a broad base for understanding anthropological theories and perspectives. It is useful for any student interested in culture, culture change, or the ways that humans interact in and with the world.
You must complete these 4 core courses:
- ANTH 1100 - Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, and Human Evolution Credit Hours: (3)
- ANTH 1200 - Cultural Anthropology ** Credit Hours: (3)
- ANTH 3200 - Culture and Change around the World Credit Hours: (3)
- ANTH 4065 - Anthropological Theory Credit Hours: (3)
Plus, an additional 2 anthropology electives for a total of 18 semester hours in anthropology.
Minor in Applied Anthropology
This minor provides a holistic approach to applied anthropological and qualitative research training. Students will gain an understanding of anthropological theories and perspectives while acquiring career-driven qualitative research skills. This minor is for any student interested in qualitative and ethnographic methods and will support students interested in a wide array of human-centered research.
You must complete these 4 core courses:
- ANTH 1200 - Cultural Anthropology ** Credit Hours: (3)
- ANTH 3010 - Practicing Anthropology Credit Hours: (3)
- ANTH 3200 - Culture and Change around the World Credit Hours: (3)
- ANTH 4010 - Ethnographic Methods** Credit Hours: (3)
Plus, an additional 2 anthropology electives for a total of 18 semester hours in anthropology.
Some of our anthropology electives include: American Communities, Anthropology and Environment, Anthropology and Education, Anthropology and Human Rights, Anthropology of Religion, Culture and Mental Health, Human Adaptations, Medical Anthropology, Museum Collections, Neighborhood Development, Nutritional Anthropology, Peoples of Africa, and more.
Honors Program
The Honors Program in Anthropology is open to Anthropology majors only and requires:
- (a) an inclusive grade point average of at least 3.00,
- (b) a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 in the major,
- (c) the completion of ANTH 4010: Ethnographic Methods;
- (d) four honors courses in anthropology;
- (e) the completion of independent research (traditional or engaged scholarship) culminating in an original research thesis or creative work.
Those students who complete the program and the regular college requirements will be recognized at the commencement ceremony by having their degree conferred, "With Honors in Anthropology." Moreover, the student's diploma and the record at the University of Memphis will reflect this accomplishment.
For full details and application information, see the Honors in Anthropology web page.
Accelerated B.A / M.A. in Anthropology
This program allows outstanding undergraduates to begin the coursework for the Master of Arts in Anthropology during their senior year. Students are encouraged to begin planning to enter the Accelerated B.A./M.A. program early in their undergraduate career, in consultation with their advisor in the Department of Anthropology. For more information, see the Accelerated B.A / M.A. web page.
Class Scheduling
Trying to plan ahead? This class schedule shows our rotation plan for courses in upcoming semesters of odd (e.g. 2021) and even (e.g. 2022) years. Use this to think about what you will be taking as you move toward graduation. We frequently offer additional classes that do not appear on this template--so be sure to check the current class listings and bulletin boards around the department.
Archaeology
Archaeology is one of anthropology's major subfields. Students at U of M are encouraged to explore archaeology through individual coursework, summer field work, and internships. Many of these experiences are offered through the Earth Sciences Department. To facilitate undergraduate training in archaeology, the Anthropology and Earth Sciences Departments coordinate to provide a double major covering the physical, methodological, and cultural aspects of the field.
Visit the Archaeology roadmap page for more information on an ANTH/ESCI double major.
Undergraduate Internship Opportunities
Our department has partnered with many organizations, institutions, and non-profits all over Memphis to host our undergraduates and graduate students in formal internship positions. Check out the links below to view our Internship Pamphlet and List of Internship Opportunities.