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Anthropology (BA)

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

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumna Profile: Caroline Noel ’13
    Alumna Profile: Caroline Noel ’13

    Noel received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to continue her doctorate studies of socio-cultural anthropology at the University of Virginia. She researches how the Ainu of Japan use digital media to showcase their identity and counter dominant narratives of Japanese history.

  • Alumna Profile: Sarah Stacke ’02
    Alumna Profile: Sarah Stacke ’02

    NPR featured freelance social documentary photographer Sarah Stacke ’02 for her work in publishing the book “Photos Day or Night: The Archive of Hugh Mangum.” It showcases the photography of businessman Hugh Mangum, who did not discriminate between clientele — leaving behind a rare archive of the segregated South at the turn of the 20th century.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Timothy Smith
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Timothy Smith

    Opening up your mind to the infinite ways in which people can view the world is what Dr. Timothy Smith loves about his field.

    Meet more faculty

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Anthropology (BS) – Multidisciplinary
  • Anthropology (BS)

Minors

A minor is required.

View all minors

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.

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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

More examples

Contacts

Dr. Krista A. Lewis
Chair
lewiska5@appstate.edu
828-262-7404

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Anthropology

  • Department of Anthropology

    The Department of Anthropology offers a comparative and holistic approach to the study of the human experience. The anthropological perspective provides a broad understanding of the origins as well as the meaning of physical and cultural diversity in the world – past, present and future.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

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