Anthropology

An anthropology degree at Vanderbilt University offers a comprehensive exploration of human diversity, culture, language, and biology across time and space. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of how human societies function, evolve, and influence the world around them. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students engage with cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology, gaining broad insights into the complexities of human life. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and a global perspective, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, public policy, international relations, and various other fields. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories for biological and archaeological research, and benefit from faculty expertise that spans diverse regions and topics. The program encourages undergraduate research, fieldwork, and internships, fostering experiential learning opportunities that enhance theoretical knowledge with practical application. Vanderbilt's vibrant academic community supports a collaborative environment, where students can participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences related to anthropology. The department also promotes diversity and inclusion, reflecting the global and multicultural nature of the field. Graduates of the program are equipped to analyze human cultural and biological variation critically, assess archaeological and ethnographic data, and communicate findings effectively. Whether students are interested in pursuing graduate studies or immediate professional work, the anthropology program at Vanderbilt provides a solid foundation and the skills necessary for success in diverse careers that require an understanding of human origins, development, and behavior.

The major in anthropology requires completion of at least 30 credit hours of course work, as follows:

1.  At least three 1000-level surveys (chosen from Anthropology 1101, 1201, 1301, 1601) covering the four subfields of anthropology: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology.

2.  A minimum of three credit hours from each of the groups below:

Group I—Comparative Anthropology and Anthropological Theory: 2105, 2113W, 3900, 4154, 3121, 3160, 3133, 3132, 3140, 3122, 4153, 3143, 3145, 3141, 4155, 3142, 3150, 3150W, 2370, 2220, 2220W, 3262, 3901, 4152

Group II—Archaeology and Biological Anthropology: 2211, 2214, 3162, 3240, 3242, 3202, 3200, 3620, 3620W, 3161, 3162, 3343, 2342, 3371, 3130, 2231, 3201, 2230, 3250, 3372, 3344, 4345, 4373, 3260, 3261, 3243, 3243W, 3866

Group III—Ethnography, Ethnohistory, and Linguistics: 2601, 2602, 2250, 2109, 2106, 2223, 2603, 3134, 3161, 3144, 3130, 3241, 2108, 3622, 3120, 2614, 3614

3.  A seminar on anthropological theory (3900 or 3901). The seminar may not also be used to count toward Group I credit above.

4.  At least 18 credit hours must be at the 2000 level or higher.

5.  The remainder of the credit hours must be chosen from ANTH courses not already used to satisfy the requirements listed above.

6.  With the approval of the student’s major adviser, a maximum of 3 credit hours for a course taken in another department or program may be counted toward the major requirement. A variety of courses are possible, including but not limited to those listed below. In each case, the course must be relevant to the student’s program and the student must receive the approval of the director of undergraduate studies.

African American and Diaspora Studies2178,3178; Biological Sciences2205; History1270,2490; History of Art2210, 3240W; Human and Organizational Development3200; Latin American Studies 2301, 2601; Latino/a Studies 2201; Mathematics1010, 1011; Medicine, Health, and Society 1930, 3010, 3110, 2420, 2130, 2250, 3140, 3210, 3220, 3150, 2430, 2240, 3250; Music Literature 1100, 1105, 2100, 2110; Religious Studies 3079, 3178, 2472, 3142, 4554, 4837; Sociology 3001, 3313, 3311, 3314, 3221, 3231, 3232; Spanish 3330, 3360, 3370.

Honors Program

The Honors Program in Anthropology is designed to afford superior students the opportunity to pursue more intensive work within the major field. Students who want to do honors work in anthropology should contact the director of the Honors Program in the fall of their junior year. The completion of the Honors Program requires: a) 4–5 credits in Anthropology 4998 (Honors Research), evaluated by honors thesis adviser, b) 4–5 credits in Anthropology 4999 (Honors Thesis), evaluated by honors thesis adviser, c) submission of a written thesis, evaluated by the student’s honors committee, d) an oral presentation of the thesis (15–20) minutes, evaluated by the student’s honors committee, e) an oral examination of the thesis, administered by the student’s honors committee. The independent research hours are expected to be in excess of the 30 hours required for the anthropology major.

Requirements

• All required parts of either the Coalition Application, Common Application, or Universal College Application.
• $50 nonrefundable application fee, or fee waiver for qualified students
• Official high school transcript
• Counselor letter of recommendation
• Two academic teacher recommendations
• Standardized Test Results: SAT or ACT (SAT code: 1871 / ACT code: 4036)
• Official results of the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic if applicable*
• A completed College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, if applicable**

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

Scholarships

• Need-Based Aid for International Students
• Merit-Based Aid for International Students

The Vanderbilt University Anthropology program offers a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, societies, and cultural diversity through a multidisciplinary approach that combines archaeology, biological anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology. Students engaging in this program have the opportunity to explore the evolutionary history of humans, the complexities of contemporary cultures, and the biological aspects of humans and primates. The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical foundations and practical skills, emphasizing critical thinking, research methods, and fieldwork experiences. Undergraduate students can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, which includes coursework in ethnography, linguistic anthropology, archaeological methods, and human evolution, while graduate students may have options for specialized research projects and thesis work under faculty supervision. The program encourages students to participate in hands-on research, field excavation projects, and internships with cultural organizations, museums, or research institutions. Vanderbilt’s anthropology faculty comprises leading scholars in the fields of archaeology, biological anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology, offering mentorship and collaborative research opportunities. The university’s strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and community engagement underscores the program’s commitment to understanding human differences and fostering cross-cultural awareness. Alumni of the program have gone on to pursue careers in academia, cultural resource management, public policy, international development, and museum curation. Students benefit from Vanderbilt’s extensive resources, including well-stocked laboratories, archaeological sites, and access to an active academic community that promotes global perspectives. Overall, Vanderbilt’s Anthropology program aims to prepare students not only for advanced study and research but also to become informed global citizens who appreciate and critically analyze the complexities of human life across time and space.