Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Department of Anthropology College of Arts and Sciences

Why Study Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of humankind, past and present. There are many reasons to pursue studies in anthropology, including the following:

  • Anthropology provides a broad understanding of humanity through its four subdisciplines: Cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology.
  • Employment opportunities for anthropologists and archaeologists are projected to grow over the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • Anthropology’s focus on cultural diversity provides tools for imagining solutions to complex social and environmental problems.
  • Our undergraduate and master’s programs prepare students with professional and critical thinking skills.
Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Our major and minor in anthropology provide the opportunity to explore anthropology’s four subfields in cultural, linguistic, and biological anthropology and in archaeology.

Learn More
Graduate

Graduate

The Master of Arts (MA) program applies an anthropological focus on peace as behavioral process at multiple levels including at the level of individuals, families, groups, communities, cultures and nations. Students will critically analyze how factors such as ecological sustainability, human security, democracy, justice, non-violence, conflict resolution, and human rights are interconnected constructs related to the unifying construct of peace.

Exceptional UAB undergraduates may apply for an Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s program (ABM) in the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights.

Learn More
Faculty

Faculty

The Anthropology Department is home to professors who have received teaching awards and numerous research grants. They are dedicated to facilitating student learning and providing our students with excellent mentoring and quality course instruction. The department also benefits from experienced adjunct instructors who have expertise in peace education, human rights, medical and health disparities, global satellite imagery, Egyptology, paleo-archaeology, and more.

Learn More

Latest News

  • Carlisle shares impactful stories through films
    Oliver Carlisle, an anthropology major with minors in women and gender studies and film, is preparing to graduate from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in December 2024. Throughout their time at UAB, Carlisle embraced opportunities to combine multiple disciplines and apply that interdisciplinary learning into real, tangible outcomes.
  • CAS Graduate Research Day spotlights research and the changing landscape of graduate education
    On November 20, 2024, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) hosted its first-ever Graduate Research Day at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alumni House.
  • Anthropology student using skills in the community
    The following is a guest piece written by anthropology student Kizzi Frisby. The College of Arts and Sciences occasionally invites students to author reflections on their experiences in the classroom and in the community.
More News