Anthropology

Bachelor's Degree Program

Take part in archaeological surveys and excavations in Alaska and around the world. Team up with faculty on groundbreaking anthropological research. Join our summer field school in archaeology and work in our state-of-the-art laboratories. Alaska is one of the most exciting places in the world to study anthropology, and our program is a gateway to opportunities across the globe.

The anthropology degree at UAF offers a flexible program of academic courses and research opportunities in all four fields of anthropology: archaeology, cultural, biological and linguistic. The program provides a synergistic experience connecting lectures, seminars, laboratory and field-based courses.

Classes are taught by faculty members who are internationally recognized in their areas of specialization. We are also widely recognized in the anthropological community as a leading institution in the study of the culture and human diversity in the Arctic and circumpolar North.

Jobs for anthropology majors include positions with the park service and other government agencies, construction and military.

What Is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of people, past and present, and what makes us human. It’s a broad discipline that examines language, culture, societies and biological and material remains. Anthropology is also a dynamic field that is constantly integrating new technologies and ideas.

Anthropology is divided into four sub-fields: archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology. While each of these fields are distinct, they all involve applying theories, using research methodologies, formulating hypotheses and developing sets of data.

Get more information

decorative divider

Department website
View the curriculum
Apply now

Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  • Offered as a major and minor

Availability:

  • UAF's main campus in Fairbanks, AK
  • Online

 

Why Study Anthropology at UAF?

As an anthropology major at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, you’ll have incredible opportunities to learn from leaders in the field, and take your studies beyond the classroom and into the world. Here are some of the highlights of earning your anthropology degree at UAF.

Gain specialized knowledge and experience in the far North

  • We offer a unique core of classes that focus on social and historic issues of the far North, encompassing Russia, Alaska, Canadian Arctic and Greenland.
  • Our research and training on these topics ranks with top-tier universities trying to understand and explain the peopling of the Americas, human adaptation to northern conditions, climate change and long-term human-environment interaction in the Arctic and Subarctic.

Take part in groundbreaking research

  • We offer undergraduate students a wide variety of options to conduct original research working with faculty mentors. We also provide opportunities for research assistance to ongoing faculty projects as well as rigorous academic training in archaeology.
  • While our research focuses primarily on Alaska and the circumpolar North, our faculty work in several regions in Africa, Central America, Central and South Asia, Middle East, Oceania, North America and Europe.

 
Learn from some of the best in the field

  • Our faculty are internationally recognized researchers who often bring in large external funding opportunities for undergraduates to participate in cutting-edge research in anthropology. They are also caring and dedicated teachers who will give you their time and help you succeed.
  • Many of our faculty are engaged in public service and outreach through radio program performances and exhibits across Alaska, including the Museum of the North.

 
Participate in the summer archaeology field school

  • The UAF Archaeology Field School is a unique opportunity that offers a hands-on introduction to many of the key elements of archaeological field work. This includes identifying cultural remains, cataloging finds and performing artifact analysis.
  • In addition to on-site training in Alaska, the field school includes field trips to cultural sites, evening lectures and more.

UAF Summer Sessions: Archaeology Field School

 

What Can You Do With an Anthropology Degree?

Anthropology majors develop cross-cultural knowledge, critical thinking and social science research skills that prepares them for a broad range of career options. Our program is also closely aligned with Alaska’s needs in workforce development. We estimate that about half of our bachelor’s degree graduates go directly into the workforce, while most of the others continue on to graduate programs.

 

 

Explore Classes for Anthropology Majors

The bachelor’s in anthropology is a highly interdisciplinary program that comprises cultural, archaeological, biological and linguistic studies. The bachelor’s degree program aims to give students a solid introduction to the discipline, with the opportunity to concentrate study in one or more of the four sub-fields, and to gain research experience and training in the field and in the laboratory.

View all required classes for the degree in anthropology

Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Anthropology

 

Get Started on Your Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology

Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn your bachelor’s degree in anthropology at UAF. Submit your application online today.