Anthropology

Degree: BA Mode of study: On-Campus Location: Main Campus
Degree Type
Bachelor's Degree
Program Type
Undergraduate
Location
Main Campus - Cape
College
Humanities & Social Sciences
Department
History & Anthropology
Careers
<span class="TextRun SCXW54197002 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW54197002 BCX0">Anthropologists find careers in education, healthcare, museums, government, and forensics and law enforcement.</span></span>
two students examine a skull.

Solve mysteries. Examine ancient artifacts. Immerse yourself in new cultures. You’ll do that here.

An anthropology B.A. provides a holistic perspective on what it means to be human, both past and present. Our program focuses on anthropological methods, theory, and practice and emphasizes the interaction between human culture, biology, and the environment. 

What to Expect

As an anthropology student at Southeast, you’ll be trained in all subfields of the discipline: sociocultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology. Our flexible curriculum also provides opportunities for in-depth exploration of the subfields that are of the most interest to you.

  • Engage with qualified faculty who work with students in a small class environment. Our faculty specialize in areas such as forensic anthropology, mortuary analysis, the anthropology of food and beverage, Missouri archaeology, and underwater archaeology.
  • Gain hands-on research in archaeology, biological anthropology, and ethnography, including real-world lab and field experiences in archaeology and forensic anthropology.
  • Prepare for advanced graduate studies.

What Can You Do with an Anthropology Degree?

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time. 

Career Opportunities for Recent Graduates

  • Government programs of all kinds
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Museums
  • Private archaeology firms
  • Education
  • Business
  • Medicine
  • Military
  • Law Enforcement

Graduate School Opportunities of Recent Graduates

  • Flinders University of South Australia
  • Missouri State University
  • Saint Louis University
  • Southern Illinois University
  • State University of New York, Buffalo
  • University of Costa Rica
  • University of Memphis
  • University of Mississippi
  • University of Missouri–Columbia
  • University of St. Andrews (Scotland)

"Having the opportunity to be a part of an active case has given me invaluable experience that I will be able to build on through graduate school and into a career. This experience has confirmed my passion for this field in giving individuals their identity back and bringing closure to families.” 

-Ariel Morrow ’21

Outcomes & Careers

  • 85%

    Successful Outcomes Rate

    Students graduating with degrees from the Department of History and Anthropology report being employed or furthering their education six months after graduation.

  • $95k

    Anthropology & Archaeology Teachers

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for anthropology and archaeology postsecondary teachers is $95,140.

  • $67K

    Anthropologists & Archeologists

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for anthropologists and archaeologists is $66,810.

  • $78k

    Urban Planner

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an urban planner is $77,750. 

Anthropology (BA) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

View the Degree Map

What You'll Study

The Anthropology curriculum includes 49 hours specific to this major. Students are also expected to complete a minimum of 120 required credits, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

Required Courses:

  • AN181 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3) 
  • AN182 Introduction to Archaeology (3) 
  • AN183/083 Introduction to Biological Anthropology (4) 
  • AN200 Professional Development in Anthropology (2) 
  • AN493 Anthropology Theory Seminar: Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3) 
Choose 9 Hours From:
  • AN317 Ethnographic Field Methods (3) 
  • AN341 Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology (3) 
  • AN380 Human Evolution and Adaptations (3) 
  • AN382 Archaeology: Method and Theory (3) 
Choose 3 Hours From:
  • GG140 Physical Geography (3) 
  • GO110 Physical Geology (3) 

Choose one advising track:

General Anthropology Track - Choose 12 hours
  • AN313 Archaeology Fieldwork (3) 
  • AN319 Archaeology Lab (3) 
  • AN333 Applied Anthropology (3) 
  • AN355 Special Topics in Anthropology (3) 
  • AN360 Meso-American Civilizations (3) 
  • AN375 Anthropology of Religion (3) 
  • AN414 Human Osteology (3) 
  • AN415 Forensic Anthropology (3) 
Global Studies Track - 12 hours:
Choose 3 hours
  • AN333 Applied Anthropology (3) 
  • XX300-599 Study Abroad/Internship (3) 
Choose 6 Hours:
  • CNxxx (3) 
  • FRxxx (3) 
  • GNxxx (3) 
  • JNxxx (3) 
  • SNxxx (3) 
Choose 3 hours:
  • GG320 Political Geography (3) 
  • UI307 Economic Geography (3) 
  • UI308 Cultural and Physical Landscapes of the World: A Geographical Analysis (3) 

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

Freshman Year 

Fall Semester (16 Hours) 
  • UI100 (1) 
  • EN100 (3) 
  • AN183/083 (4) 
  • AN200 (3) 
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours) 
  • AN181 (3) 
  • AN182 (3)
  • GG140 or GO110 (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 

Sophomore Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 
  • Track Course (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours) 
  • Track Course (3) 
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 

Junior Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 
  • AN317/AN341/AN380/AN382 (3) 
  • Track Course (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
Spring Semester (15 Hours) 
  • AN317/AN341/AN380/AN382 (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 

Senior Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 
  • AN317/AN341/AN380/AN382 (3) 
  • AN493 (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
Spring Semester (14 Hours) 
  • Track Course (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (2) 

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Experiential learning in the Department of History and Anthropology

  • Students use a ground penetrating radar during a Geophysics in Archaeology Workshop.
  • History students and Dr. Vicky McAlister examine a rare medieval text at Kent Library.
  • Historic Preservation majors wear hard hats as they tour a decaying movie theater.

Additional Resources

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History & Anthropology
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Phone
(573) 651-2146
Location
Office Location
Carnahan Hall 311E
Mailing Location
One University Plaza, MS 2960
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701

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