Solve mysteries. Examine cultures. Study behavior and histories. You’ll do that here.

An anthropology option offers students a holistic study of humanity, both past and present. Our program focuses on anthropological methods, theory, and practice with a focus on the interaction between human culture, biology, and the environment. 

What to Expect

As an anthropology student at Southeast, you’ll receive training in all subfields of the discipline: sociocultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology.

  • Engage with qualified faculty who work with students in a small class environment. Our faculty specialize in areas such as forensic anthropology, mortuary analysis, youth social movements, and underwater archaeology.
  • Gain hands-on research in archaeology, biological anthropology, and ethnography, including real-world lab 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 MissouriColumbia
  • 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.

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.

Global Cultures & Languages Core
(49 Hours – Minor Required)

Required Courses:

  • AN101 Observing Cultures (3)
  • AN181 Intro to Cultural Anthropology (3)
  • PS104 Comparative Political Systems (3)
  • 9 Hours of Same Foreign Language (9)

Choose 3 Hours From:

  • FR220 French Literature (3)
  • GN220 German Literature (3)
  • SN220 Hispanic Literature (3)
  • LI220 Fiction & the Human Experience (3)

Choose 3 Hours From:

  • GG150 Peoples & Places of the World (3)
  • Other Foreign Language (3)

Anthropology Option Courses

Required Courses:

  • AN182 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
  • AN183 Introduction to Biological Anthropology (4)
  • AN493 Anthropology Theory Seminar: Cultural/Linguistics (3)

Choose 9 Hours:

  • AN317 Ethnographic Field Methods (3)
  • AN341 Intro to Linguistic Anthro (3)
  • AN380 Human Evolution & Adaptations (3)
  • AN382 Archaeology: Method & Theory (3)

Choose 6 Hours:

  • AN313 Archaeology Fieldwork (3)
  • AN319 Archaeology Lab (3)
  • AN333 Applied Anthropology (3)
  • AN355 Special Topics in Anthropology (3)
  • AN360 Mesoamerican Civilizations (3)
  • AN375 Anthropology of Religion (3)
  • AN381 North American Archaeology (3)
  • AN415 Forensic Anthropology (3)
  • AN551 Historical Archaeology Field School (3)
  • EN486 Sociolinguistics (3)
  • FR306 Contemporary France (3)
  • GN320 German Culture and Civilization (3)
  • GO340 Remote Sensing (3)
  • HP410 Museum Studies (3)
  • SN300 Spanish American Culture (3)
  • UI308 Cultural/Physical Landscapes (3)
  • UI339 North American Indians (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 (4) 
  • FR/GN/SN100 (3) 
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3) 

Spring Semester (15 Hours) 

  • AN181 (3) 
  • AN182 (3)
  • FR/GN/SN120 (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 

Sophomore Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 

  • AN101 (3) 
  • FR/GN/SN200 (3) 
  • Minor Course (3) 
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 

Spring Semester (15 Hours) 

  • FR/GN/SN220 (3) 
  • AN Elective (3)
  • Minor Course (3) 
  • Minor Course (3) 
  • General Education (3) 

Junior Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 

  • AN341 (3) 
  • AN382 (3) 
  • PS104 (3) 
  • Minor Course (3) 
  • Elective (3) 

Spring Semester (15 Hours) 

  • AN Elective (3) 
  • Minor Course (3) 
  • Minor Course/Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 

Senior Year 

Fall Semester (15 Hours) 

  • AN317 (3) 
  • GG150/Foreign Language (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 

Spring Semester (15 Hours) 

  • AN380 (3) 
  • AN493 (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 
  • Elective (3) 

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Location
Office Location
Carnahan Hall 311E
Mailing Location
One University Plaza, MS 2960
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701