Anthropology

The Anthropology program at Columbia University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of human beings, their cultures, and biological evolution. Rooted in a rich academic tradition, this program provides students with the opportunity to explore the diverse aspects of human life across time and space through rigorous coursework, fieldwork, and research. Students are introduced to the four main subfields of anthropology: cultural anthropology, archaeological anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, allowing for a well-rounded understanding of human diversity and social complexity. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, methodological skills, and theoretical foundations, equipping students to analyze human behavior, societal structures, and evolutionary processes. Faculty members are distinguished scholars engaged in cutting-edge research, offering mentorship and fostering an environment of academic inquiry. The program encourages experiential learning through field studies, internships, and collaborative projects, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Graduates of the Columbia Anthropology program are prepared for a wide range of careers in academia, research, public policy, cultural resource management, and international development. They also gain the skills necessary for graduate study or professional work in related fields such as museum studies, heritage preservation, and consulting. With its diverse and vibrant academic community, Columbia University provides an ideal setting for students to investigate human origins, cultural practices, language, and social dynamics, all within a global perspective. The program aims to cultivate analytical skills, cultural awareness, and ethical responsibility, empowering students to contribute meaningfully to understanding and addressing complex human issues locally and globally.

Program of study should be planned as early as possible in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Required points: 30 points in the Department of Anthropology.

Required courses for a major in Sociocultural Anthropology:

ANTH UN1002 The Interpretation of Culture, ANTH UN2004 Introduction to Social and Cultural Theory, and ANTH UN2005 The Ethnographic Imagination.

Required courses for a major in Archaeological Anthropology:

ANTH UN1002 The Interpretation of Culture, ANTH UN2004 Introduction to Social and Cultural Theory, and ACLG UN2028 Pasts, Presents & Futures: An Introduction to 21st Century Archaeology.

Students who are interested in archaeology are strongly advised to include field and lab experience as part of their degree. Please contact the archaeology adviser, Prof. Zoe Crossland to discuss this. 

Biological/physical anthropology: Students pursuing a major in this field should refer to the Department of Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology.

Senior Thesis

Anthropology majors with a minimum grade point average of 3.7 in the major who wish to write an honors thesis for consideration for departmental honors may elect to enroll in The Senior Thesis Seminar in Anthropology (UN3999, 8 points). Students should have a preliminary concept for their thesis prior to enrolling in the course. Students may also pursue independent study projects with a professor. The thesis is not required of majors.

Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors are established and awarded by most Columbia College departments with approval from the College Committee on Instruction. Each year, departmental honors are awarded to no more than ten percent of the graduating majors. Students become eligible for departmental honors when they have a grade point average of at least 3.7 in major courses, and have completed an honors thesis. From within this group of eligible candidates, departmental faculty make recommendations to the College Committee on Honors, Awards and Prizes. The Committee makes the final decisions about which students receive departmental honors.

Requirements

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). You are urged to visit www.toefl.org as quickly as possible for more information on this examination. A minimum score of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (Internet-based test) is necessary for admission to Columbia. Your score must be reported directly to Columbia by the testing service, using report code 2116.
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System). You are urged to visit www.ielts.orgas quickly as possible for more information on this examination. A minimum score of 7.0 is necessary for admission to Columbia. Your score must be reported directly to Columbia Undergraduate Admissions.
3. If you have a 650 or higher on the Critical Reading or Writing sections of the SAT, or a 29 or higher on the English or Reading sections of the ACT, you are exempt from taking an English proficiency examination.
4. An official high school transcript from all high schools attended
5. One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile
6. The completed Mid-Year Report
7. Autobiographical information
8. $85 application fee or fee waiver request
9. Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities
10. Personal essay
11. Columbia-specific questions
12. SAT or the ACT
13. The appropriate SAT code is 2116 and the appropriate ACT code is 2717
14. Two Teacher Recommendations. For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Anthropology undergraduate program at Columbia University offers students a range of financial support options to assist with the costs of education. Columbia University provides various scholarships and fellowships based on merit, need, or a combination of both. The university's financial aid policies emphasize meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Need-based financial aid is awarded through the Columbia College Financial Aid Office, which reviews each applicant's family income, assets, and other relevant factors to determine eligibility. In addition to institutional aid, students may access external scholarships, grants, and fellowships from organizations and foundations that support higher education. Columbia University also participates in federal and state financial aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans, providing further resources to support students' educational expenses. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile to be considered for all available aid programs. The university offers special programs and dedicated counseling to help students navigate the financial aid process, including workshops, dedicated advisors, and online resources. For international students, financial support options may differ, with some scholarships available specifically for international applicants. It is recommended that prospective and current students review the university's financial aid website and contact the financial aid office directly for personalized guidance. Overall, Columbia University's comprehensive financial aid approach aims to make a Columbia anthropology education accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds by combining institutional resources, external funding opportunities, and federal assistance programs.

The Anthropology program at Columbia University offers students a comprehensive understanding of human diversity, cultural practices, social structures, and biological evolution. The program is designed to foster critical thinking and analytical skills through a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that covers the history of anthropology, contemporary theories, and research methodologies, preparing them for careers in academia, policy, research, or applied anthropology.

Columbia's location in New York City provides a unique context for anthropological study, allowing students to explore urban ethnography, cultural exchange, migration, and globalization firsthand. The department emphasizes original research, encouraging undergraduates to participate in fieldwork, ethnographic studies, and collaborative projects. The curriculum includes foundational courses in anthropological theory, specialized electives in areas like medical anthropology, economic anthropology, and environmental anthropology, and options for independent study or thesis work.

The program also supports students through various research centers and institutes, such as the Institute for Social and Cultural Anthropology and other affiliated organizations. These resources enable students to engage with contemporary issues, participate in conferences, and collaborate with scholars renowned in the field. The department promotes a global perspective, often encouraging study abroad programs and field research in different regions of the world.

Graduates of Columbia’s Anthropology program are well-prepared to pursue further studies or careers in anthropology, archaeology, museum work, international development, public policy, or related fields. Many alumni have gone on to secure advanced degrees at prestigious institutions and hold influential positions worldwide. The program's emphasis on diversity, interdisciplinary learning, and real-world application ensures that students gain the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and address complex human issues across different societies and contexts.