Anthropology

Overview

The anthropology program at SIUE emphasizes real-world applications of anthropology, with expertise in:

Community engagement
Sustainability
Globalization issues
Race and processes of racialization
Cultural resources and heritage
Museology
Bioarchaeology
Forensic anthropology

Anthropologists develop knowledge of and respect for the biological and cultural diversity of humankind. At SIUE, our students conduct independent research, travel internationally, participate in field work, complete internships and are involved in anthropology-related student organizations and honor societies.

Fields of Anthropology

Archaeology: The study of past human cultures through artifacts and physical remains
Biological: The study of human biological adaptations and evolution
Cultural: The study of present human cultures and societies
Linguistic: The study of human languages
Applied: Application of anthropological knowledge, theories, and methods to solving real-world needs and problems

What can I do with a degree in anthropology?

Students graduating with a bachelor’s in anthropology find employment in:

Secondary education
Private business and industry
Cultural resource management
Contract archeology
Environmental studies
Tribal services
Museums
Health and human services
Nongovernmental organizations
Legal and government agencies

Many students also choose to earn master's or doctoral degrees, which lead to careers in:

Basic and applied research
International policy and development
Museum, heritage and tourism industries

Due to the diversity of subjects and methods in anthropology, students frequently combine anthropology with other disciplines, which enables students to better understand issues in local and international communities and expand their opportunities for rewarding careers.

Hands-on Learning

Students in the anthropology program conduct supervised research and fieldwork projects, participate in internships, train in museum work in conjunction with our Ethnology Museum Laboratory, and are involved in various community projects. Our students have received funding for their research projects and have produced award-winning academic work.

The Anthropology Research Lab houses resources for preparation and analysis of archaeological artifacts and zooarchaeological remains. Analysis of human skeletal materials is conducted in our Forensic Anthropology Bioarchaeology Lab.

Students can also develop their skills through experiences in our local field schools in archaeology, biological anthropology, and ethnography. International travel study experiences can also be incorporated into independent studies or research projects.

Global Experience

At SIUE, students are encouraged to explore anthropology in the international context. Recently, anthropology students have studied abroad in Thailand, China, Scotland and Greece. Students can also participate in travel studies led by faculty members from other departments to countries such as Great Britain, Italy and Turkey. The possibilities are endless!