Anthropology Department

What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of people. In its most general definition, anthropology is the study of humanity in its broadest possible context in space, time, and topics. Anthropology has a holistic approach, which means looking at all aspects, or the whole. The aim of anthropology is to understand the whole of human existence- both past and present, both as a biological organism and as a cultural creature. Because of Anthropology’s broad, holistic approach, we are part of both the Social and Behavioral Sciences Career and Academic Pathway, as well as the STEM CAP (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

Science, Technology, Engineer & Math CAPSocial & Behavioral Sciences CAP

The skills you develop in anthropology classes are useful for understanding, living, and working in today’s world and for interacting with people from many different cultural backgrounds. To be an anthropologist requires transferring and earning a four-year degree, usually followed by graduate school. Many local universities offer degrees in anthropology, including CSUN and UCLA. UC Berkeley has one of the top-rated Anthropology programs in the country.

 Anthropologists work in wide range of fields including corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. To learn more, check out This is Anthropology from the American Anthropological Association.