Anthropology - Environmental Anthropology
The Anthropology: Environmental Anthropology Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between human societies and their environments. The curriculum integrates anthropology, ecology, sociology, environmental studies, and research methodology, enabling students to analyze how cultural, economic, and political systems shape human-environment relationships. Students engage in fieldwork, ethnographic research, and applied projects, cultivating analytical, observational, and problem-solving skills essential for professional or academic careers in anthropology, environmental research, policy analysis, or sustainable development.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, field studies, and experiential learning guided by faculty experts in environmental anthropology, ecological analysis, and cultural research. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, applied analysis, and critical reasoning, preparing graduates to evaluate environmental challenges, interpret cultural and ecological data, and contribute to research, policy, or sustainability initiatives. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, critical reasoning, and fieldwork proficiency, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in environmental anthropology, cultural research, or policy development.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Anthropology - Environmental Anthropology
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Anthropology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Environmental Anthropology
- Introduction to Anthropology and Human-Environment Interactions
- Fundamentals of Ecology and Environmental Science
- Research Methods and Critical Thinking
- Cultural and Social Analysis
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Environmental Systems
- Environmental Policy and Sustainability
- Anthropological Perspectives on Resource Use
- Applied Research Projects in Human-Environment Contexts
- Electives: Global Ecology, Cultural Ecology, or Environmental Ethics
Year 3 – Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
- Fieldwork in Environmental Anthropology
- Climate, Society, and Human Adaptation
- Applied Projects and Ethnographic Research
- Electives: Conservation Anthropology, Political Ecology, or Environmental Justice
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Environmental and Anthropological Issues
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Internship or Applied Project in NGOs, Research Institutes, or Policy Organizations
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Environmental Anthropology program are prepared for careers in environmental research, policy analysis, sustainability consulting, nonprofit organizations, community development, and academia. Alumni may work as environmental anthropologists, cultural researchers, policy analysts, field researchers, or pursue graduate studies in anthropology, environmental studies, sustainable development, or public policy. The program equips graduates to evaluate human-environment interactions, interpret ethnographic and ecological data, and apply research insights to real-world challenges. With strong analytical, research, and fieldwork skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments focused on environmental analysis, cultural research, and applied sustainability studies.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of anthropological theory, environmental analysis, applied research, and interdisciplinary study within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, immersive fieldwork, and hands-on research projects that connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in anthropology, ecology, and sustainability. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving, preparing graduates to assess complex human-environment interactions, develop evidence-based solutions, and contribute meaningfully to professional and academic initiatives. For students passionate about environmental anthropology, cultural research, and sustainability, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
