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Anthropology Major

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Why Study Anthropology?

An Anthropology major helps students understand human cultures throughout the world. The study of cross-cultural issues is important for many fields. Anthropology has long been recognized as a leading discipline in the development of concepts and knowledge regarding human culture, prehistory, human evolution, and linguistics. Anthropologists draw upon the social sciences, humanities, biological sciences, and physical sciences to examine humanity’s diversity over time and space.

Anthropology is an excellent background for students who want to pursue careers or plan on attending graduate school in policy, development, teaching, or other service professions.

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Why Study Anthropology at Eastern?

The Anthropology major offers two concentrations — Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology. It also can be used as a second major for students majoring in Sociology, Criminology, History, Psychological Science, Political Science, World Languages and Cultures, Health Sciences, Environmental Earth Science, Business Administration, New Media Studies, Art History, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Our faculty includes experts in Latin American, Caribbean, Canadian, and Native American studies. Applied learning opportunities are embedded in the programs’ required field courses, which can include internships at museums, archaeological field work at sites in New England and the Midwest, and study trips to other countries.

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Concentrations

  • The Archaeology concentration provides undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to examine the human past through the hands-on study of artifacts and sites. Students will develop skills for moving into graduate studies or employment in museums and historic sites, federal and state government agencies, cultural resource management firms, and private sector engineering firms.

    View Archaeology Concentration Details

  • The concentration in Cultural Anthropology provides undergraduate students with broad disciplinary training to understand local and global contemporary issues. Courses emphasize relevant connections between culture, economy, health and identities. Students will develop skills to find employment in the public and private sectors or pursue graduate studies in Anthropology or related disciplines.

    View Cultural Anthropology Concentration Details

Salary Potential

$62K

Median salary

+8%

CT job market growth over next 10 years

* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hands-on Learning

Students working at a dig site

Field Schools

Archaeological field schools will be offered at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cahokia Mounds, the first and only Native North American City.

Students posing in front of WAIM Commnunity Garden sign

Field Trips

Learn about pressing social issues—local, regional and national—at local agencies in Windham County and Hartford.

Students and professor posing in front of a statue

Study Abroad

Study abroad in Brazil and other international destinations with Eastern faculty members as part of credit courses in the Anthropology major.

Career Options

Students who pursue undergraduate degrees in Anthropology can have rewarding and successful careers in a variety of professional fields, including:

  • Cultural Resources Management
  • Historical Museums
  • Tourism
  • Health Sciences/Healthcare
  • Environmental Protection
  • Social Services
  • Higher Education
  • Local, State and Federal Agencies 
  • National and State Parks

Companies hiring Anthropologists

  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Cigna
  • Community Residences, Inc.
  • Heritage Consultants, Inc
  • Kore Associate Group, Inc.
  • Pratt & Whitney
  • RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)
  • Tribune Company
  • Vinfen
  • Yale University
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For more information


perezr@easternct.edu
(860) 465-0191

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In the News

Cahokia

Eastern student goes on archeological dig in ancient Native American city

July 25, 2024

An anthropology major with an archaeology concentration and a history minor, Eric Hohenthal ’25 has long known of his interest in his chosen field. Ever since he was a child, Eric has been “obsessed with the ancient world. I was naturally drawn to archaeology.”

Perez

Anthropology Day returns with worldly program

February 22, 2024

Eastern Connecticut State University’s Anthropology Day on Feb. 15 featured events to educate students on topics such as endangered languages, Maasai culture in Kenya and graduate school pathways.

The conditions of migration

University Hour shares stories of migration

November 13, 2023

Post-colonial political and economic struggles were the topics of a University Hour talk at Eastern Connecticut State University on Nov. 8. These conditions push people to search for opportunities in other countries.

Alumni Testimonials

Emma Wink  ’18
Field and Lab Technician

Emma Wink ’18

“The Anthropology program at Eastern helped me develop a sound theoretical framework and the practical archaeological knowledge that I now use every day in my job as a field archaeologist. My professors assisted me with networking and professional advice. I get to contribute to gathering data on exciting sites that helps to shape our understanding of history and culture through the material past.”

Jolene Potter
MSW Program, Boston University

Jolene Potter ’19

“The Anthropology program at Eastern prepared me for a career in social services, graduate study and public service opportunities, including positions in advocacy and crisis counseling. My professors encouraged me to explore human behavior in all its diversity, which helped harness my passion for serving vulnerable populations and promoting trauma-informed policies and practices.”

Travis Paggioli
Manager of Business Intelligence

Travis Paggioli ’13, M.S. ’18

“Eastern’s Anthropology program helped me professionally and academically by instilling in me a fundamental approach to understanding and analyzing the dynamics between individuals, their interests and their collective identities. The faculty was supportive and the program was rigorous and challenging, while fostering a sense of holistic understanding and analysis. These skills and approaches were immensely beneficial for both my graduate studies and professional life.”

Amber Laubach
Ph.D. student, Anthropology Binghamton University

Amber Laubach ’15

“Eastern’s Anthropology minor led me to my career path in archaeology. Exposure to anthropological theory and methods provided me with essential skills to navigate engaging with other graduate students, supervising undergraduates in the field and the lab, and connecting with members of the communities in which I live and work.”