Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of human origins and evolution, present conditions of human life, and future prospects. It considers human beings as biological and social entities, and seeks to explain both diversities and commonalities of peoples and cultures. For undergraduates, anthropology provides a rich overview of human life. It also introduces them to a variety of skills and practical research methods which anthropologists apply in laboratory and field studies of the ecological constraints on human existence, the cultural basis of individual and organizational behavior, and, in general, problems and circumstances relating to the maintenance of healthy, productive human action in the world today.

The Department of Anthropology offers both a major and minor in anthropology.

The major in anthropology begins with a set of introductory courses in archaeology, biological/physical anthropology, and cultural anthropology. These introductory courses are followed with upper division core courses in theory and method.

A student rounds out the major by taking any of the diverse elective courses offered by the department each semester.

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.