Print this page. About the Program
The Department of Anthropology offers a Bachelor of Arts degree designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to appreciate the cultural and biological diversity of humans and to apply their knowledge to a variety of career endeavors. Our curriculum combines a strong foundation in the liberal arts with extensive study in anthropology. The undergraduate curriculum involves study in all major fields of anthropology, including prehistoric and historic archaeology, cultural anthropology, anthropological linguistics, and physical/biocultural anthropology.
Career Opportunities
A degree in anthropology provides an excellent basis for career pursuits in a variety of fields. Some careers require graduate study. Here are just a few of the possibilities:
• international public service
• public or private sector jobs that involve multicultural dimensions
• with further training, careers in medicine or public health
• teaching and research
• applied anthropology
What else can I do with a major in anthropology?
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the College of Arts and Sciences, you must meet all University admission requirements. For freshmen this includes a completed application, nonrefundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. To major in anthropology, a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) and a minimum grade of “C” in the anthropology core courses is needed. You will be expected to maintain a semester, yearly, and cumulative grade point average of 2.00. Your academic record will be reviewed at the end of each spring semester.
Program of Study (120 hours)
Your studies will be structured around 53–62 credit hours in courses that fulfill the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, 27–28 credit hours that fulfill your major area, 12–18 credit hours for your cognate or minor, and elective requirements that complete your 120-hour minimum. General education requirements include courses in areas such as English, mathematics, physics, chemistry, foreign languages, and the social sciences. Your major requirements will be fulfilled with courses such as Middle Eastern Cultures, Ethnography of Communication, North American Prehistory, and Indonesian Culture Through Film. Your cognate or minor area and electives consist of a variable amount of hours and will include anthropology courses and other related courses as approved by your advisor.
Of Special Interest
The Department of Anthropology also offers master’s and doctoral degrees at the graduate level. The Anthropology Student Association offers opportunities for fellowship and learning throughout the year. The department is also actively involved in fieldwork projects such as the Mann-Simons African American Archaeology Project and W.A.R.P., the Wateree Archaeological Research Project.
Department of Anthropology's Web site