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Anthropology

Anthropology

What is Anthropology?

Students in OU's Department of Anthropology study everything that is human, covering the breadth of human existence from prehistory to the present. Undergraduate majors can take courses from the four areas of anthropology - linguistic, social-cultural, archaeological, and biological anthropology.

The Department of Anthropology has many undergraduate opportunities for hands-on field, laboratory, and museum experiences that apply classroom learning to the real world. Students can: 1. Spend a summer taking an archaeological field school and learning excavation techniques; 2. Volunteer in professors' archaeology and biological anthropology labs; 3. Work with faculty and tribes helping to maintain Native American languages in Oklahoma; 4. Help a faculty member on a health or medical anthropology project; 5. Volunteer at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History doing socio-cultural, linguistic, or archaeological anthropology; 6. Do an internship in any of the four areas of anthropology plus museum studies.

Anthropology students also often choose to study abroad in a variety of places, applying what they have learned in their classes to living in other cultures. OU has one of the top study-abroad programs in the nation, and students can work with the department to design a program that is right for them.

Team performs excavation in a field

So, what's my degree?

Anthropology students can graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree or with a Bachelor of Sciences degree. The B.A. gives graduates a foundation in the four areas of anthropology. The B.S. is focused on Human Health and Biology. In addition to anthropology courses, the B.S. includes courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Math or Statistics. The Department encourages students to pursue more focused interests within anthropology through additional coursework, independent or honors study and research, and internships.

Do my interests fit?

Anthropology majors typically have interests in:

  • Human cultures
  • American Indian languages
  • Prehistory and ancient civilizations
  • Human health and biology
  • Museum studies
  • Medical practices
  • Human beliefs and behaviors

How can OU Anthropology help me?

OU Anthropology graduates are qualified for many jobs in government agencies, public services, non-profit organizations, and archaeological firms. Our students have also been accepted into a wide range of graduate programs including all four areas of anthropology, law, medicine and other health care professions, public health, library and information studies, social work, and regional planning.

What courses will I take?

Anthropology courses include:

  • Global Cultural Diversity
  • General Linguistics
  • Principles of Archaeology
  • Intro. to Biological Anthropology 
  • Anthropology electives

How can I study abroad?

OU has numerous study abroad opportunities for students of all majors. Whether you want to take electives, lower-division courses, or major requirements, be sure to check out what education abroad opportunities are available to you through the College of International Studies

What kind of career could I pursue?

  • Government agencies
  • Archaeological firms
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Public services
  • Museums
  • Libraries
  • Universities

How much will I make?

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Contact Us

Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences The University of Oklahoma

Department of Anthropology
Phone: (405) 325-3261
Email: anthropology@ou.edu
Website: ou.edu/cas/anthropology