Anthropology

The Anthropology program at the University of Colorado Denver offers a comprehensive and dynamic exploration of human diversity, culture, evolution, and societies. Designed for students interested in understanding the complexities of human life across different times and cultures, this program provides a multidisciplinary approach that combines biological, archaeological, linguistic, and cultural perspectives. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that includes courses in anthropological theory, ethnography, archaeology, primatology, linguistic anthropology, and contemporary social issues. The program aims to develop critical thinking, research skills, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, preparing graduates for careers in research, education, public policy, and applied anthropological fields. Through hands-on experiences, including fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects, students will gain practical knowledge and skills necessary to analyze human behavior, societies, and cultural patterns. The program emphasizes ethical research practices and global perspectives to address real-world challenges. With a faculty comprised of distinguished scholars and practitioners, students receive personalized mentorship and access to state-of-the-art resources and facilities. The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at CU Denver encourages students to think globally while acting locally, fostering an understanding of cultural relativism and social justice. Graduates of this program pursue diverse career paths in museums, non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, research institutions, and private sectors. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for further education, including graduate studies and specialized training in various anthropological fields. Students interested in anthropology at CU Denver will find an engaging academic community committed to exploring what it means to be human through a multidisciplinary lens, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society and the understanding of human diversity worldwide.

The major in anthropology begins with introductory courses designed to acquaint students with the basic history, methods, and perspectives of the discipline. Introductory courses are followed by an upper division core which focuses principally on a more advanced, and principally theoretical, survey of the major fields of anthropology -- archaeology, cultural anthropology, and  biological/physical anthropology. Students round out their majors by choosing from a wide variety of elective courses which feature in-depth, topical, and theoretical investigations into particular dimensions of the human experience.

Required Courses -- 20 credits

• ANTH 1302 Introduction to Archaeology -- 4 credits
• ANTH 1303 Introduction to Biological Anthropology -- 4 credits
• ANTH 2102 Culture and the Human Experience -- 3 credits
• ANTH 3101 Foundations of Cultural Anthropology -- 3 credits
• ANTH 3301 World Prehistory -- 3 credits
• ANTH 3512 Human Evolution -- 3 credits

Remaining Elective Courses: 20 credits

Recommended Courses to include in electives:

• ANTH 4050 Quantitative Methods in Anthropology -- 3 credits
• ANTH 4810 Integrating Anthropology -- 3 credits

Freshman admission consideration for both in-state and out-of-state students is based primarily upon:

1. Quality and number of high school courses (units) attempted (a rigorous academic program of study is preferred)
2. The admission index, which is a numeric score calculated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education based on GPA or rank in class and ACT or SAT test scores.
3. Optional personal essay and letters of recommendation. Though not required, a personal statement or essay and/or letters of recommendation may be considered in the admissions review process

General Admission

You are a strong candidate for general admission if:

1. Your index is 93 or higher
2. You have completed all HEAR requirements AND have no more than two MAPS unit deficiencies

TEST SCORES: ACT/SAT

Results are mandatory for international students who have graduated from a U.S. high school or those seeking freshman admission directly to the College of Engineering and Applied Science programs. For engineering students, admission to CU Denver is still possible without these scores by way of the Pre-Engineering program in the College of Liberal Arts and Science.

TEST SCORES: TOEFL, IELTS, OR PTE

Applicants will be considered to have obtained the required English language proficiency if they meet satisfactory scores (below) or one of the additional options:

SCORE REQUIREMENTS:

TOEFL

Minimum TOEFL Score Accepted: 75 IBT / 537 PBT

IELTS

Minimum IELTS Score Accepted: 6.5

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived if an applicant has graduated from the ESL Academy. Information regarding other considerations for exemption, including country of citizenship/origin, and special circumstances can be found here. Please note that some graduate level programs will require a higher score on the TOEFL/IELTS and applicants should consult the department for additional details

PTE ACADEMIC

Minimum PTE Academic Score Accepted: 51

TThe Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is currently in a pilot review at the University of Colorado Denver. We will accept a 51 PTE Academic score with the following subscores:

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 College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) invites undergraduate and graduate students to apply for available scholarships every spring semester, beginning in February. The scholarships are merit and need based, ranging from $300 - $1000.

Featured Scholarships

• Melvin Albaum (Continuing Undergraduates, Need Based)
• Phyllis Weisheit Schultz (Continuing Undergraduates, Merit Based)
• Joseph Ben Trujillo (All students, Need Based)

National Scholarship Programs

You must be nominated and supported through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for applications to national scholarship programs. 

The Anthropology program at the University of Colorado Denver offers students a comprehensive introduction to the four main fields of anthropology: cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. The program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of human diversity, both past and present, and to equip them with critical thinking and research skills applicable to various careers. Students have the opportunity to explore different cultures, historical contexts, and biological processes that have shaped human evolution and societal development. The curriculum includes coursework in cultural analysis, ethnographic research methods, archaeological techniques, biological anthropology, and language studies, allowing for interdisciplinary learning. Research opportunities are available through fieldwork, lab work, and internships, often in collaboration with local communities and archaeological sites. The program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in hands-on projects, attend conferences, and participate in community initiatives. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in academia, cultural resource management, museums, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private sector consulting. The faculty members are active researchers and experts in their respective fields, providing students with mentorship and cutting-edge knowledge. The university supports a diverse and inclusive learning environment, fostering a global perspective on human culture and biology. Students interested in further specialization can pursue minors or certificates in related areas such as urban anthropology, forensic anthropology, or linguistic studies. Overall, the Anthropology program at the University of Colorado Denver aims to prepare students to understand the complexities of human society and biological diversity, contributing to fields such as public policy, health, education, and cultural preservation.