Undergraduate Curriculum
The Department of Anthropology offers the following undergraduate curriculum options:
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology: Archaeology Track
- Bachelor of Science in Anthropology
- Departmental Minors
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology
This program includes the completion of 31 hours of major coursework, along with 14 hours of college-level foreign language. This degree is well-suited for students seeking to learn more about the differing areas of Anthropology (biological, cultural, archaeology), with flexibility to pursue classes across the department to fulfill major coursework. This degree program would be appropriate for students interested in pursuing socio-cultural and linguistic areas of the anthropology field.
See the BA in Anthropology curriculum in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology: Archaeology Track
Students may opt to complete an “Archaeology Track” as part of their B.A. in Anthropology, which consists of 31 hours of major coursework and completion of 14 hours of college-level foreign language. The completion of this track will be acknowledged on student transcripts, but not on student diplomas. This program is built specifically around knowledge and skills in Archaeology, but also requires a field experience as a part of the degree.
See the BA in Anthropology – Archaeology track curriculum in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Anthropology
This anthropology major requires 31 hours of anthropology courses, along with 12 hours of additional science coursework (in addition to 9 hours of core sciences, totaling 21 hours of science for the degree). This degree was primarily developed in support of students pursuing data- and research-focused careers, but can also be beneficial to students seeking careers in biological and archaeological fields. Students interested in pursuing graduate work in Nautical Archaeology might also find the BS program suitable in preparing for understanding archaeology in the context of maritime environments.
See the BS in Anthropology curriculum in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Departmental Minors
Minor in Anthropology
The anthropology minor introduces students to the subfields of sociocultural, biological, and archaeological anthropology. It complements majors within all of the social sciences, humanities, and many of the natural sciences. Anthropology minors learn about issues relating to the human condition within a holistic, comparative and evolutionary context. They will develop the skills of scientific inquiry and will also learn critical thinking skills that support them in careers that involve working with individuals of diverse national or ethnic backgrounds, in fields such as education, law, medicine, government and non-government organizations, and nontraditional opportunities emerging in business and management.
Students interested in pursuing a minor in Anthropology can speak with their major advisor for approval and to add the minor to their academic record.
See the curriculum and course options for the Anthropology minor in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Minor in Archaeology
The archaeology minor introduces students to the subfield of archaeology. It complements majors within all of the social sciences, humanities, and many of the natural and life sciences. Archaeology minors understand and appreciate humanity’s shared past through the investigation of the archaeological traces left behind by past peoples. They develop critical thinking skills that support them in careers that involve working with individuals of diverse national or ethnic backgrounds in education, museum and foundation settings, government and non-profit agencies, archaeological research firms, and non-traditional opportunities emerging in the private sector.
Students interested in pursuing a minor in Archaeology can speak with their major advisor for approval and to add the minor to their academic record.
See the curriculum and course options for the Archaeology minor in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Minor in Medical Anthropology
The Medical Anthropology Minor provides students with an introduction to this subfield of anthropology, which examines how biology, along with society and culture, shape health and disease. Students interested in learning about differences and similarities in human biology through time and cross-culturally can select courses from the perspective of biological anthropology. Those who are interested in learning about how society, culture, and the environment influence health care, wellness and health-related behaviors can select courses from the perspective of cultural anthropology. Another option is to select both biological anthropology and cultural anthropology courses to receive training in the biocultural perspective. Through this minor students interested in any health science field will develop critical thinking skills necessary for working in healthcare and with patients from diverse national and ethnic backgrounds.
Students interested in pursuing a minor in Medical Anthropology can speak with their major advisor for approval and to add the minor to their academic record.
Minor in Museum Studies
As a result of high student interest, the Department of Anthropology is pleased to offer minor in Museum Studies in cooperation with the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Architecture, and the College of Agriculture. The increase of collections, curatorial facilities, and museums ensures this minor is a wise choice for any student with an interest in Anthropology or related fields.
Students interested in pursuing a minor in Museum Studies can complete this online request form; no meeting with an Anthropology advisor is necessary before requesting the minor. Once the minor is requested, please allow at least 10 business days to receive a response. Upon approval, students will receive a minor information sheet and approval email to forward to their major advisor to discuss and add the minor officially.
See the curriculum and course options for the Museum Studies minor in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Minor in Nautical Archaeology
The minor in Nautical Archaeology provides students with foundational training in shipwreck archaeology, one of the unique strengths of Texas A&M University. Students learn how watercraft have shaped the human experience and changed history, as they gain fluency in ship construction technologies, underwater survey and excavation techniques, and the conservation of archaeological artifacts from submerged contexts. The legal protection of underwater cultural heritage and the ethics of treasure hunting engage critical thinking. Professional training may be acquired through archaeological fieldwork, internships in conservation and/or archival research, or supervised scholarly research. The minor in Nautical Archaeology integrates with all majors in Arts and Sciences and exposes students to careers in maritime museums, cultural resource management firms, as well as state and federal government, educational, and non-profit agencies.
Students interested in pursuing a minor in Nautical Archaeology can speak with their major advisor for approval and to add the minor to their academic record.