Program Overview
Introduction to the Anthropology Major
The Anthropology Major at Ball State University is designed for students who are curious about the world, care about human diversity, history, and culture, and want to address social and cultural issues. This program teaches students how to use anthropological methods to solve problems related to cultural heritage and preservation, forensics, archaeology, immigration, and environmental sustainability.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Anthropology?
A major in anthropology helps students build a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills that apply to many academic and professional fields. Anthropologists and archaeologists work well with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds in addition to performing a number of specialized tasks, including market research and program analysis. These skills and characteristics are applicable and valuable to employers worldwide. Our graduates typically find work as:
- Government employees
- Researchers
- Consultants
- Teachers
- CRM archaeologists
Program Requirements
The Anthropology Major program consists of 40 total credits on top of the University Core Curriculum (UCC) requirements.
Core Requirements: 13 credits
- ANTH 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- ANTH 103 Archaeology and Culture
- ANTH 105 Introduction to Biological Anthropology
- ANTH 208 Professionalization in Anthropology
- ANTH 316 History of Method and Theory in Anthropology
Methods A/B/C: 9 credits
- one ANTH methods course from Area A: Archaeology
- one ANTH methods course from Area B: Biological
- one ANTH methods course from Area C: Cultural
ANTH Electives: 15 credits
- one ANTH directed elective course from Area A: Archaeology
- one ANTH directed elective course from Area B: Biological
- one ANTH directed elective course from Area C: Cultural
- two ANTH elective courses from any area
ANTH UCC Tier 3 Capstone: 3 credits
- ANTH 414 Applications of Anthropology
Honors Program
Our optional departmental honors program will provide students with extra academic challenges as they pursue their degree. Ball State's Honors College offers high-ability students an intellectually stimulating academic experience that enhances any major.
Degree in 3
When students major in anthropology at Ball State, they are eligible to participate in our Degree in 3 programs. This is a condensed degree track that allows students to complete their anthropology degree in three years rather than the standard four.
Immersive Learning Experiences
Our anthropology program is a student-centered learning environment, boasting small classes, approachable faculty members, and immersion/experience-based learning opportunities. Every year, our faculty members organize a variety of field study experiences that allow anthropology students to apply what they've learned in the classroom to the real world.
Unique Courses
The department offers a range of unique courses that cater to the diverse interests of students, including topics related to religion, technology, ethnohistory, race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, culture and medicine, human growth and development, ecological dimensions of culture, archaeology, and primatology.
Faculty Research Concentrations
Faculty in the department of anthropology have research concentrations with a range of diverse populations around the world, including refugees, Native Americans, pregnant women, LGBTQA populations, and chimpanzees.
Paying for Your Education
In addition to the dozens of funding options offered through Ball State's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Anthropology Department awards scholarships to its own students.
Admission to Ball State
Admission to Ball State is selective, and the university carefully evaluates all applications on an individual basis. Applying for admission is straightforward, using a convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.