
The Bachelor of Science in Anthropology at the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive program for students interested in understanding human societies, cultures, and evolutionary processes. The curriculum emphasizes cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and research methods, preparing students to analyze human behavior, historical development, and societal trends. Students engage in fieldwork, laboratory research, and data analysis, developing skills necessary to conduct anthropological research, interpret cultural patterns, and apply evidence based insights. This program cultivates both analytical proficiency and research expertise, equipping graduates for careers in academia, cultural institutions, and applied social research.
Learners explore interdisciplinary connections between anthropology, sociology, biology, and history. The curriculum offers opportunities for ethnographic study, archaeological investigation, and cross cultural analysis, allowing students to examine human diversity, social structures, and historical developments. Through mentorship, collaborative projects, and field studies, students refine critical thinking, research methodology, and communication skills. With a focus on applied research and cultural understanding, the program prepares graduates to contribute to academic, governmental, and non governmental organizations that require strong analytical and anthropological capabilities.
Year 1 - Foundations in Anthropology
• Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
• Human Evolution and Biological Anthropology
• Archaeology Fundamentals
• Research Methods in Social Sciences
Year 2 - Core Anthropological Studies
• Sociocultural Theory
• Archaeological Field Methods
• Human Diversity and Adaptation
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Year 3 - Advanced Applications
• Ethnography and Participant Observation
• Bioarchaeology and Forensic Anthropology
• Global Cultures and Societies
• Elective Modules in Applied Anthropology
Year 4 - Capstone and Professional Integration
• Senior Research Project / Thesis
• Applied Anthropological Research
• Seminar in Contemporary Anthropology
• Professional Skills and Ethics
Graduates of this program acquire advanced analytical, research, and cultural interpretation skills that prepare them for careers in cultural resource management, museums and galleries, government research, international development, and academic research. They develop expertise in ethnography, archaeological methods, and cross cultural analysis, enabling them to conduct research, interpret societal patterns, and provide evidence based insights for policy and program development. The program also prepares graduates for roles in heritage preservation, social research, and nonprofit sectors, equipping them to apply analytical and research skills in practical and professional settings. Graduates leave ready to apply critical thinking and research proficiency to diverse anthropological and social careers.
This program is ideal for students seeking a curriculum that integrates cultural studies with applied research, archaeological investigation, and ethnographic analysis, offering mentorship, fieldwork, and professional development opportunities. Learners benefit from faculty expertise, laboratory access, and rigorous coursework that strengthen analytical, research, and problem solving skills. The curriculum emphasizes evidence based analysis, cross cultural understanding, and applied research, preparing graduates to study human societies, design research projects, and contribute to cultural and social initiatives. With its focus on applied excellence and research proficiency, the program provides a dynamic academic environment for students aspiring to careers in anthropology, social research, and cultural studies.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 734-764-8129
Email: rackadmis@umich.edu
Address: Graduate Admissions Office, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA