Anthropology

The Stanford University Anthropology Program offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the study of human beings, their cultures, societies, and biological diversity. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complex factors that shape human development across history and geographic boundaries. Through rigorous coursework, fieldwork opportunities, and collaborative research projects, students explore the rich diversity of human experiences, from ancient civilizations to contemporary communities worldwide. The curriculum encompasses archaeological, linguistic, social, cultural, and biological anthropology, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. Faculty members are distinguished scholars engaged in innovative research that spans cultural anthropology, evolutionary biology, human genetics, and archaeology. The program emphasizes critical thinking, methodological skills, and ethical considerations in anthropological research and practice. Undergraduate students have the option to participate in field expeditions, internship programs, and collaborative research initiatives at Stanford and around the world, gaining practical experience and developing intercultural competencies. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages students to integrate perspectives from archaeology, biology, sociology, and other related fields. Graduates of the Stanford Anthropology Program are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, forensic science, cultural resource management, international development, public policy, museums, and other fields that require a nuanced understanding of human diversity and social systems. Students benefit from the university's vibrant intellectual community, state-of-the-art facilities, and close connections with research institutes such as the Stanford Archaeology Center. By completing the program, students not only acquire a rich knowledge of human cultures and biological evolution but also develop analytical skills and ethical awareness vital for contributing meaningfully to global societal challenges.

Undergraduate training in the department of Anthropology is designed for students who seek the bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree only. Students may declare a major in Anthropology and earn the B.A. degree by following the requirements below. The B.A. degree program usually requires at least five quarters of enrollment. Students interested in majoring in Anthropology are encouraged to declare by the beginning of their junior year and to work closely with an adviser to develop a coherent program of study.

The B.A. degree in Anthropology may be earned by fulfilling the following requirements:

1. A faculty adviser appointed in the Department of Anthropology. Undergraduate Anthropology (ANTHRO) majors should plan to meet with their faculty adviser at least once each quarter.
2. A program of 65 units, passed with an overall minimum grade of 'C':
   1. of the 65 units, 50 units must be in courses with the ANTHRO subject code. 15 may be approved from related areas of study, overseas studies, and/or transfer units and may be unrelated to the chosen emphasis.
      • Note: Any related, overseas studies, or transfer units must be approved by the faculty advisor and by petition to the Undergraduate Committee; see Forms/Documents to download a petition form.
   2. of the 65 units, at least 20 units with a minimum grade of 'C' must be in courses with the ANTHRO subject code numbered 100 or above and taught by Anthropology faculty.
   3. no more than 10 units of directed reading-style course work may be counted towards the 50 units required for the major in the ANTHRO subject code.
   4. no more than 10 units may be taken for a satisfactory/no credit grade: 5 units in ANTHRO courses, and 5 in related or transfer units.
3. A minimum grade of 'B' in an ANTHRO Writing in the Major (WIM) course from the chosen emphasis. This can be fulfilled by completing the ANTHRO Theory course, ANTHRO 90C or ANTHRO 90B, and should be taken within a year of declaring the Major or before the end of junior year.
4. A minimum grade of 'B' in an ANTHRO Theory course from the chosen emphasis. This should be taken within a year of declaring the major or before the end of the junior year
5. A minimum grade of 'B' in ANTHRO 91 Method and Evidence in Anthropology or in an approved methods course from the chosen emphasis. This should be taken within a year of declaring the major or before the end of the junior year.
6. Students must enroll in the Senior Capstone course (ANTHRO 193: Contemporary Debates in Anthropology) during their senior year.
7. An approved course of study which includes an emphasis chosen from the list below. Students must complete a minimum of 20 units in their chosen emphasis of which 10 units must be numbered 100 or above.
   1. Culture and Society
   2. Ecology, Environment and Evolution
   3. Medical Anthropology
   4. Self-Designed Emphasis
8. Competence in a foreign language beyond the first-year level. Such competence is usually demonstrated by completing a 5 unit course at the second-year level with a grade of 'B-' or better. The requirement may be met by special examination administered through the Language Center.
   • Note: Students whose programs require non-English language study as part of a geographical or linguistics focus may ask their faculty adviser to approve up to 5 units from language courses toward the degree if such courses are at the second-year level and above, or are in a second non-English language.
9. At least five quarters of enrollment in the major. Each candidate for the B.A. in Anthropology should declare a major by the first quarter of the third year of study.

Advising is an important component of the Anthropology major. Students are encouraged to work closely with their major adviser throughout their pursuit of the degree.

Advising milestones for the major include the following:

1. In the quarter in which the major is declared, students meet with their assigned faculty adviser, create a rigorous course of study based on topical breadth, and obtain adviser approval of an Anthropology emphasis as a course of study by obtaining the major adviser's signature on the Major Checklist.
2. Undergraduate Anthropology majors should plan to meet with their major faculty adviser at least once each quarter before the Final Study List deadline. Any revisions to the initial checklist must be approved by the faculty adviser.
3. Undergraduate Anthropology majors must submit an updated major checklist and planning form to the Undergraduate Student Services Specialist in the quarter before graduating.

Required Courses

1. Writing in the Major courses--
   1. Undergraduate majors can fulfill the Writing in the Major course requirement for the B.A. in Anthropology by taking the ANTHRO Theory course corresponding to their chosen emphasis.
2. Theory courses--
   Enroll in one of the following according to the student's chosen emphasis:
   1. Culture and Society/Medical Anthropology: ANTHRO 90B. Theory in Cultural and Social Anthropology
   2. Ecology, Environment, and Evolution: ANTHRO 90C. Theory of Ecological and Environmental Anthropology
3. Methods courses--
   The following course fulfills the ANTHRO undergraduate major methods course requirement.
   1. Students choosing the Ecology, Environment and Evolution emphasis may substitute ANTHRO 91C. Methods and Analysis in Ecological Anthropology, if given.
4. Department courses--
   Choose from the following according to the student's chosen emphasis. Students should complete a minimum of 20 units in their chosen emphasis of which 10 units must be numbered 100 or above. Department courses may fulfill the requirements for more than one emphasis; see the undergraduate student services specialist for details.
   1. For the Culture and Society emphasis, most essential courses are numbered ANTHRO 120 through ANTHRO 150.
   2. For the Ecology, Environment, and Evolution emphasis, most essential courses are numbered ANTHRO 160 through ANTHRO 178.
   3. For the Medical Anthropology emphasis, most essential courses are numbered ANTHRO 179 through ANTHRO 185.
5. Senior Capstone course--
   • ANTHRO 193: Contemporary Debates in Anthropology

Research Courses

Courses listed are recommended for students writing an honors research paper or senior paper in the major:

• ANTHRO 92A/B. Undergraduate Research Proposal Writing Workshop
• ANTHRO 93. Prefield Research Seminar
• ANTHRO 94. Postfield Research Seminar
• ANTHRO 95A. Research in Anthropology
• ANTHRO 199.  Senior and Masters Paper Writing Workshop
• Senior courses--ANTHRO 95B. Directed Study in Honors and Senior Papers

Requirements

• Coalition Application or Common Application
• $90 nonrefundable application fee or fee waiver request 
• (counselor verification required)
• Official testing (SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing) sent from the College Board or ACT
• School report including counselor letter of recommendation
• Official transcript(s)
• Letters of recommendation from two teachers
• Midyear transcript
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), although not required, is strongly recommended for non-native speakers of English.

Financing studies for the Anthropology program at Stanford University are designed to ensure that all admitted students have access to high-quality education regardless of financial background. Stanford University offers a comprehensive financial aid program that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, making the opportunity to study anthropology accessible to a diverse range of applicants. The university’s financial aid packages are generally need-based and encompass grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans, with a strong emphasis on reducing student debt.

For undergraduate students, Stanford’s financial aid is primarily provided through the Stanford Financial Aid Office, which evaluates each applicant’s financial situation to determine the level of need. Families with incomes below certain thresholds may qualify for full scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs. The university also offers a variety of scholarships specifically designated for students pursuing anthropology or related fields, funded by alumni, donors, and endowment resources.

Graduate students in anthropology benefit from a range of funding options including fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and departmental grants. These funding sources often provide tuition remission and stipends to support living expenses. Applicants to advanced degrees are encouraged to explore specific departmental funding opportunities and external fellowship programs that can supplement university aid. Stanford also provides dedicated resources to assist students in applying for external scholarships and fellowships, which can significantly offset the cost of their studies in anthropology.

Additionally, the university has policies aimed at minimizing debt and promoting financial stability for its students. There are also summer funding opportunities and emergency aid provisions available for students facing unexpected financial hardships. Overall, Stanford’s holistic approach to financing studies aims to make anthropology education accessible and sustainable for all enrolled students by offering tailored financial support aligned with their individual circumstances.

The Department of Anthropology at Stanford University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of human societies, cultures, and biological aspects of humanity. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the diversity of human experiences across time and space through the integration of ethnography, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic studies. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework, research projects, and fieldwork, which equip them with analytical skills and a global perspective. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking about human development, societal structures, and cultural practices, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, public policy, education, and various sectors within organizations that focus on cultural and social issues. Stanford's Anthropology program benefits from the university's extensive resources, including access to world-class research facilities, collections, and a vast network of scholars. The faculty includes renowned experts in the field who mentor students through thesis research and conference presentations. The department encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to combine anthropology with other fields such as history, psychology, sciences, and digital technologies. Opportunities for fieldwork and internships are integrated into the program, enabling practical experience that connects theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. The program also promotes understanding of contemporary global issues, including human rights, migration, and environmental challenges, providing a holistic view of human life in various contexts. In addition to undergraduate studies, Stanford offers graduate programs including master's and Ph.D. tracks, which support specialized research and academic careers. Overall, the Stanford Anthropology program aims to cultivate scholars and professionals who are equipped to contribute meaningful insights into human diversity and societal development through inquiry, research, and engagement with communities worldwide.