Anthropology
The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at Notre Dame University offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of human culture, biology, language, and archaeology. This program invites students to examine the diversity of human experience across time and space, from ancient civilizations to contemporary global societies. By drawing on both the social sciences and humanities, anthropology encourages students to question assumptions, analyze cultural systems, and understand the complexities of identity, belief, power, and adaptation in human life.
Through fieldwork, ethnographic analysis, and cross-cultural comparison, students gain deep insight into how people organize their lives, communicate meaning, and interact with their environments. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reflection, and scientific reasoning while introducing students to key theoretical frameworks and research methods. Faculty with diverse global expertise guide students through case studies and hands-on research, preparing them for thoughtful engagement with both local communities and global issues. The program nurtures curiosity, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to understanding the human condition in all its forms.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Anthropology
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 03 January 2026
- Location: University of Notre Dame, United States
- Field of Study: Anthropology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Introduction to Human Cultures and Systems
- Introduction to Anthropology
- Academic Writing and Social Inquiry
- World History or Global Civilizations
- Cultural Diversity and Society
- Elective: Language and Culture or Human Origins
Year 2 – Foundations in Theory and Method
- Anthropological Theory
- Ethnographic Research Methods
- Archaeology and the Human Past
- Biological Anthropology
- Elective: Anthropology of Religion or Economic Anthropology
Year 3 – Regional and Thematic Exploration
- Medical Anthropology or Environmental Anthropology
- Urban Anthropology or Kinship and Family
- Anthropology of Migration or Indigenous Studies
- Seminar in Cross-Cultural Analysis
- Elective: Anthropology of Gender or Visual Anthropology
Year 4 – Advanced Research and Application
- Capstone Seminar in Anthropology
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Ethics in Anthropological Fieldwork
- Internship or Applied Anthropology Practicum
- Elective: Anthropology and Human Rights or Global Health
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Anthropology program bring valuable qualitative research skills, cultural awareness, and critical analysis to a wide range of professional fields. They are well-suited for careers in cultural resource management, international development, public health, education, nonprofit work, and social research, often taking roles such as community engagement specialists, program evaluators, field researchers, or policy analysts. Many also pursue graduate studies in anthropology, archaeology, sociology, law, or public policy, where their training in human behavior and cultural systems provides a strong foundation. Employers in government, museums, humanitarian organizations, and global companies recognize the unique ability of anthropology graduates to interpret complex social dynamics, work across cultures, and contribute to inclusive, informed decision-making.
Why Choose This Program
Notre Dame University’s Anthropology program offers a deeply engaging and globally informed education that helps students make sense of the diversity and commonality of human life. With a curriculum that blends rigorous theory, real-world research, and ethical exploration, the program prepares students to think critically about the world and their role in it. Faculty provide close mentorship and foster a learning environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and cultural empathy. Students benefit from opportunities for fieldwork, study abroad, internships, and independent research, all of which build academic depth, practical experience, and a global perspective. For those who want to understand the roots of human experience and apply that understanding to build a more just and connected world, this program provides the insight and tools to begin that journey.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 574 631 5000
Email: admissions@nd.edu
Address: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
