What you will study
The University of Central Missouri’s bachelor’s in Anthropology offers many fascinating
courses. Learn about the anthropology of food. Discover the exciting world of archaeology.
You can also explore hoaxes and myths in popular culture and learn to think critically
about them.
Your education doesn’t stop in the classroom, though. One of our most popular courses,
Anthropological Study Tour, takes you abroad to the United Kingdom. There, you’ll
tour museums and historic sites and assess the material they present to the public
and how they make it accessible. All classes in UCM’s bachelor’s degree in Anthropology
program will help you learn about:
- Human evolution and adaptability as they relate to biology and culture
- Cultural diversity and the impact of globalization
- Anthropological methods, theories and practices as they relate to field work, research
and other experiences
- Ways to apply your anthropological research, critical thinking and communication skills
to a variety of professions
You’ll graduate with an understanding of the nature of humans as evolving beings,
and you’ll better appreciate the cultural diversity that makes up our world.
Excellence in Anthropology
- #5: Best Anthropology Colleges in Missouri (Universities.com, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in the study of anthropology
Gain invaluable experience as you earn your undergraduate Anthropology degree at the
UCM. Exciting opportunities will help you better understand the course material and
how to apply your bachelor’s in Anthropology after you graduate:
- Internships: What can you do with an Anthropology degree? Sign up for an internship to gain practical
experience applying your knowledge. Past undergraduate students earning a degree in
Anthropology have worked at UCM’s McClure Archives and University Museum, historical
sites, community organizations and social agencies.
- Undergraduate research: Work side-by-side with a faculty member pursuing a research topic you’re passionate
about. Students in UCM’s undergraduate Anthropology degree program have assisted faculty
on their research projects. They’ve pursued research of their own under the guidance
of a faculty mentor, too.
- Field experience: Put your study of anthropology into practice. Through UCM, you can participate in
both national and international hands-on activities at museums, archaeological digs,
field schools and more.
- Student life: Join other students in the Anthropology Club. Activities include networking, conferences,
field trips, social outings and discussing your research and field interests. UCM’s
chapter of Lambda Alpha, the national anthropology honor society, is another great
way to get involved.
What can you do with an Anthropology degree from UCM?
Because of the applicable skills you’ll learn in your study of anthropology, you won’t
be limited to only one professional track after graduation. What can you do with an
anthropology degree, then? Pursue fulfilling careers working in:
- Education
- Museums
- Local and state government
- Federal government
- Social agencies
- Community groups
If your plans don’t involve immediately entering the job market, you’ll be prepared
to succeed in a graduate program. Nearly half of our alumni with BS in Anthropology
degrees go on to graduate school. Past students entered programs at the University
of Central Missouri as well as other universities, such as New York University, Texas
A&M, Tulsa University, the University of Missouri - Kansas City and the University
of Wisconsin.
You won’t have to plan your next steps alone. Our program faculty will mentor you.
This includes coaching workshops, so you can create effective and powerful graduate
school applications to increase your chances of getting accepted.
What can you do with an anthropology degree beyond all of this?
Through the interactive tool below, discover job opportunities, salary potential and
the projected career growth for students who graduate with an Anthropology degree
from UCM.
Financial assistance options for your Anthropology degree
The University of Central Missouri puts your bachelor’s in Anthropology within reach.
We offer many ways to help you finance your undergraduate education. This means you can graduate with a high-value degree and low student debt. Among
other options, we help make college affordable by providing access to scholarships,
grants, tuition awards and loans.
In addition to UCM's offerings, you can explore a variety of federal financial aid
options, including federal work study.
We also offer scholarships specifically for students who focus on the study of anthropology,
including:
- Anthropology Scholarship Fund
- John Sheets and Joy Stevenson Scholarship
- Robert F. G. Spier Scholarship
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Anthropology Faculty Member Dr. Jeffrey Yelton
Historic archaeology specialist
Dr. Yelton is a native Missourian who focuses his research on a local Warrensburg
landmark: Pertle Springs. He’s passionate about involving his students in the investigative
work at the site of this former resort and Depression-era federal work camp — as well
as in the analysis of other archaeological materials and public archaeology projects.
Meet the Faculty
Meet Emily C.
BS Anthropology ’13
“The relationships you can build with your professors (and ultimately your mentors)
are stronger than what you would get in a bigger program. It's those relationships
that really make Anthropology at UCM a unique experience.”
Meet Anthropology Faculty Member Dr. Hannah Marsh
Physical anthropology expert
Dr. Marsh speaks frequently on the topic of race and biology, with an emphasis on
the lack of a biological basis for the concept of race. She brings her passion for
that topic and others to her undergraduate physical anthropology courses, including
Human Variation, Forensic Anthropology and Human Prehistory.
Meet the Faculty
Meet Anthropology Faculty Member Dr. Amber Clifford-Napoleone
Museum science expert
Dr. Clifford-Napoleone specializes in museum anthropology, Bedouin material culture
and textiles and textile preventive conservation. Her research expertise includes
popular music, popular culture and sexual subcultures in the United States.
Meet the Faculty
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