Program Overview
Department of Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology at Brandeis University offers a comprehensive program that explores the diversity and complexity of human life in a globally interconnected world.
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human social-cultural life, including topics such as medicine and religion, power and violence, gender and sexuality, cultures of capitalism, nature and the environment, archaeology, museums and fashion, social movements and human rights, and research methodologies.
Why Brandeis?
At Brandeis, students are taught by faculty who are active, research-intensive scholars and dedicated to their students. The program emphasizes writing and in-class discussion, preparing students for graduate study and careers in fields such as healthcare, government, business, journalism, education, and human rights.
Academics and Research
The anthropology program at Brandeis allows for an almost infinite range of inquiry, from archaeological digs to studying immigrant communities. The field is truly interdisciplinary, with affiliated and cooperating faculty working in departments and schools across the university.
Faculty and Student Excellence
The faculty in the Department of Anthropology are highly productive researchers and popular teachers. Students have the opportunity to work with distinguished faculty members and pursue their own research interests.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Anthropology also offers graduate programs, including a Master of Arts in Anthropology and a Doctorate in Anthropology (PhD).
Master of Arts in Anthropology
The Master of Arts in Anthropology provides students with advanced training in anthropological theory, methods, and research. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, and applied anthropology.
Doctorate in Anthropology (PhD)
The Doctorate in Anthropology (PhD) is a research-based degree that provides students with advanced training in anthropological theory, methods, and research. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, and applied anthropology.
Research Areas
The Department of Anthropology at Brandeis University has a strong research focus, with faculty and students working on a wide range of topics, including:
- Archaeology
- Cultural anthropology
- Environmental anthropology
- Medical anthropology
- Museum studies
- Social movements and human rights
Learning Goals
The Department of Anthropology at Brandeis University has established learning goals that outline the skills and knowledge students can expect to gain through the program. These goals include:
- Understanding of anthropological theory and methods
- Ability to design and conduct research
- Ability to analyze and interpret data
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally
- Understanding of the diversity and complexity of human social-cultural life
Careers and Alumni
Graduates of the Department of Anthropology at Brandeis University have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers, including:
- Academia and research
- Applied anthropology
- Healthcare and medicine
- Government and policy
- Business and industry
- Journalism and media
- Education and non-profit work
Notable alumni include:
- Gabriela Mendoza Cueva 22, pursuing an MPH at the Yale School of Public Health
- Nina Kumar 23, Research Specialist at Adelphi Values
- Matthew Kupfer 12, Junior Fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- Alexis Matza 98, feminist medical anthropologist and deputy director of the LGBT Health Program for the Veterans Health Administration
- Noam Sienna 11, PhD in history at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Simon Sinek 95, founder of The Optimism Company and author of several bestsellers
- Ayush Thacker 23, Clinical Research Coordinator at the Center for Aging and Serious Illness at Massachusetts General Hospital
- Katherine Weisensee 99, department chair and associate professor of Anthropology at Clemson University
Undergraduate Advising
Students interested in majoring in anthropology can contact Professor Brian Horton to learn more about the curriculum and requirements.
Minor in Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology also offers a minor in anthropology, which can be used to complement a major in history, sociology, Health: Science, Society, and Policy, or another field. The requirements for the minor can be found in the University Bulletin.