About
Anthropology is the study of humanity. Appalachian State University’s Bachelor Arts degree in anthropology immerses students in the content, methods, theory and practice of this scientific field from a humanities-based perspective — providing students an understanding of social and cultural practices across geographic regions.
Alumni typically seek careers within and outside of the United States by focusing their studies on politics, medicine, social work, interpretation, development and the environment, social justice and religion.
The Department of Anthropology has a long-standing commitment of working directly with local and global communities to build sustainable livelihoods, and faculty members regularly return to international communities to conduct research.
Study of another language and a minor is required for this program.
After Graduation
Employment: Many students receive job offers after graduation. See a list of employers
Graduate school: App State students with an anthropology degree have been accepted at the master’s and doctoral level in a variety of fields: biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, archaeology, art history, geoarchaeology, political science, global studies, international development, health sciences, history, museum studies, nursing, physician assistant program, psychology, social work, Latin American studies, linguistics, urban and regional planning, public health, and law programs. See a list of schools
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is required.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Anthropology Club — A student group that discusses the field of anthropology and different aspects of culture and society.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
The Department of Anthropology regularly offers field schools in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Italy and Wales, as well as areas of North America.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.
Why Appalachian?
- Department of Anthropology students are known for their ability to analyze complex cultural and social situations, and find employment in many fields, including marketing, research and development, community and international development, law and more.
- The department houses state-of-the-art lab equipment, including a 3D scanner and metallurgical and stereo microscopes.
- Faculty members have received prestigious fellowships from the Fulbright Program, National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities and Princeton University to pursue their research.
- Students are given the opportunity to conduct research alongside faculty and attend national undergraduate and professional conferences.
- With the exception of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the department has the largest vertebrate osteological comparative collection in North Carolina. It also maintains archaeological research collections from excavations of prehistoric and historic sites in Western North Carolina and adjacent regions.
- Students have opportunities for field schools and internships.
- The department offers scholarships and awards.
Location
Boone and Hickory*
*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.
Careers
Some positions may require more than a bachelor’s degree:
- Education and Outreach Coordinator
- Archaeologist
- Librarian
- Photographer/Videographer
- College-level Educator
- GIS Analyst
- English as Foreign Language Teacher
- Research Assistant
- Historian/Curator
- Conservator
- Consultant
- Field Crew Supervisor
- Park Ranger
- Medical Examiner Specialist
- Educational Director
- International Development Specialist
Contacts
Dr. Krista A. Lewis
Chair
lewiska5@appstate.edu
828-262-7404