Course Overview

The Anthropology program at Penn State offers a comprehensive exploration of human diversity across time and space. Housed within the College of the Liberal Arts, the program emphasizes the study of cultural, biological, archaeological, and linguistic aspects of humanity. Students engage in interdisciplinary coursework and research, gaining skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and cross-cultural understanding. Unique features include opportunities for fieldwork, access to extensive research collections, and a focus on applied anthropology to address real-world issues.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Anthropology program are prepared for diverse career paths in academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. The program equips students with transferable skills such as research, communication, and cultural competency, making them competitive in fields related to cultural resource management, international development, and public policy.

Key Faculty and Staff

Notable faculty members include experts in bioanthropology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology, with ongoing research in areas such as human evolution, indigenous studies, and environmental anthropology. Specific names and titles are available on the university's official department page.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Penn State Anthropology students benefit from access to specialized laboratories for biological and archaeological research, as well as the Matson Museum of Anthropology, which houses extensive artifact collections for study and exhibition. The department also maintains partnerships with international research institutions and local communities for fieldwork opportunities.