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.
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.
Salary Potential
CT job market growth over next 10 years
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Hands-on Learning
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.
Field Trips
Learn about pressing social issues—local, regional and national—at local agencies in Windham County and Hartford.
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
- Raytheon Technologies (formerly United Technologies)
- Tribune Company
- Vinfen
- Yale University
Alumni Testimonials
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”