Cultural Anthropology, B.A.

Anthropology is the worldwide comparative study of humankind, present and past. Anthropology majors learn to gather and analyze complex material, communicate across difference, and recognize how cultural perspectives shape understandings of events and interactions. Courses in the discipline help students gain an understanding of the complexity of current events within the U.S. and internationally with topics ranging from anthropological theory and research methods to applied anthropology. Students have the opportunity to explore critical contemporary problems, globalization, urban life, family, gender, health, and technology, to name just a few through the lens of anthropology.

The subfield of cultural anthropology examines the relationship of culture, human meaning, and the social, political, and economic forces that affect our worlds. Cultural Anthropology students develop an understanding of cultural diversity, human social organization and social structure, and social research methods. There is also a three-course sequence on physical and forensic anthropology.

Anthropology courses help students gain an understanding of the complexity of current events within the U.S. and internationally. Course offerings examine topics ranging from anthropological theory and research methods to applied anthropology. Students have the opportunity to explore critical contemporary problems, globalization, urban life, family, gender, health, and technology, to name just a few topic areas, through the lens of anthropology. 

Upon graduation, students with a Cultural Anthropology, B.A. are well prepared to obtain employment in an increasingly diverse workforce, pursue graduate and professional training, and engage effectively in a complex world. They have embarked on careers in a wide range of government, non-profit, and private sector settings. This includes employment in social service and development organizations, market research firms, and international business. Graduates with an anthropology degree are especially well suited for positions that involve human interaction, problem solving, and communication, and where an understanding of diversity is beneficial. An anthropology major also provides a strong foundation for those intending to pursue graduate studies or degrees in medicine and public health, social work, education, museum studies, business, international studies, public policy, and human services. Students who plan to engage in anthropology professionally generally continue to graduate school, entering M.A. and Ph.D. programs in anthropology around the country. The Anthropology Minor is designed for majors in other disciplines who wish to add an individually tailored set of anthropology courses to their undergraduate degree.

The department offers four double majors that allow students to make specific course substitutions and to apply certain coursework to both majors: public health/social work, sociology/anthropology, sociology/psychology, and sociology/social work. Information about the double majors can be found on the department website.

Students may also double major in another field that complements the first or in which they have an interest.

SAPH offers Cultural Anthropology, B.A. with honors for students with strong academic records who want to conduct a substantial independent research project, culminating in a thesis, during their final year in the major. Students considering graduate school are particularly encouraged to pursue this option. Interested students should discuss this with their advisors as early as possible. Information describing the requirements for the major with honors is available on the department website.

SAPH offers a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology, an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s, and two post-baccalaureate certificates in Social Dimensions of Health and Applied Social Research Methods. These programs offer students training in the practical side of sociology, including the various methodologies and key substantive areas of the field. The program has core strengths in the sociology of health, illness, and medicine; aging and the life course; inequality, gender; criminology, and applied research methods. Courses prepare students for careers as research analysts in federal and state agencies, research organizations, and nonprofit organizations. The program also prepares students for doctoral-level coursework. The master’s in applied sociology requires students to complete 30 credits, including a capstone project. The accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program for undergraduate students allows students to take up to 9 graduate credits to apply toward the master’s degree. The 12-credit post-baccalaureate certificates can be completed as part of the master’s degree, or separately. Admission requirements and deadlines are published on the department website.

Evening courses are offered occasionally, but generally, no more than one to three evening courses are offered in a single semester. Required core courses are almost always offered during daytime hours only.

Anthropology students wishing to undertake individual research projects can do so in independent study courses with faculty members of their choice. Students may also apply to undertake honors thesis research. Students can discuss these options with their academic advisor.

The university offers multiple opportunities for study abroad. Students seeking further information should contact the Study Abroad Office. Students interested in study abroad also should meet with their advisor to discuss their plans and their pathway for the completion of the major requirements.

Majors and minors in Anthropology are encouraged to participate in student-led organizations. The Council of Majors sponsors the Anthropology Club, which is open to majors and non-majors alike. Club activities have included a brown-bag lunch film series and discussion, field trips to local museums and events, sessions on the graduate school application process and internship opportunities, and potlucks that showcase food traditions from around the world. Interested students should contact the Anthropology Club faculty advisor for more information.

Lambda Alpha
Lambda Alpha is the national collegiate honor society for Anthropology, and UMBC belongs to the Beta Chapter. The purpose of the society is to encourage and stimulate scholarship and research in Anthropology by recognizing and honoring superior achievement in the discipline among students, faculty and other persons engaged in the study of Anthropology. 

View this program as a four-year academic plan.

What can I do with the major?