College of the Sciences
Anthropology
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
Anthropology offers you a unique and multidisciplinary perspective on human and nonhuman societies and cultures.
Our BA offers a journey of discovery into the rich diversity of human and nonhuman societies, cultures, and biological diversity, now and in the past. You’ll gain critical thinking skills, cultural competency, and research expertise through coursework, field experiences, and research opportunities.
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Anthropology and Museum Studies
357A Dean Hall
You Belong Here
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Anthropology and Museum Studies Website
Core Courses
- ANTH 110 - Bones, Apes, and Genes: Exploring Biological Anthropology
- ANTH 120 - Archaeology: Science of the Past
- ANTH 130 - Cultural Worlds
- ANTH 180 - Language and Culture
- ANTH 301 - Anthropology: Principles and Assessment
- ANTH 458 - Anthropology Senior Comprehensive Survey
Select upper division courses in:
- Archaeology
- Biological Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Linguistics
Tailor Your Interests
Shape your education to match your career goals by focusing on specific areas of anthropology that excite you.
Unique Opportunities
Take advantage of research collaborations with faculty and hands-on lab work that give you a competitive edge in both academic and professional settings.
Cultural Training
Gain a deeper understanding of global cultures and human diversity through cross-cultural perspectives, essential for careers in anthropology, education, and social work.
Integrated Learning
Benefit from a learning experience that combines traditional classroom education with hands-on field experiences.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Alumni Network
Become part of a large network of professionals who work in various industries across the globe.
Awards
With Barlow Awards, you can receive up to $2,000 to support immersive experiences, whether it's attending our summer field programs, exploring fieldwork opportunities elsewhere, or pursuing unique projects.
About Zooarchaeology
In this course, we explore non-human bones and how to use bones to answer questions in archaeology.
Why Study Anthropology at Central?
- Engage in a comprehensive study of anthropology’s four subfields—cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeology—with hands-on learning in each area.
- Access dedicated labs for forensic anthropology, archaeology, zooarchaeology, and human skeletal analysis that provide real-world experience in the field.
- Participate in summer field courses that offer immersive training in archaeology and forensic anthropology, preparing you for future careers in the field.
Job Titles of Recent CWU Grads
Archaeology Technician, RLR Cultural Resources
Cultural Resource Specialist, Whitetail Environmental
Education Program Facilitator, Suquamish Museum
Assistant Language Teacher, Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. Many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Sustainability courses include:
- ANTH 107 Being Human: Past & Present
- ANTH 120 Archaeology: Science of the Past
- ANTH 130 Cultural Worlds
- ANTH 324 North American Archaeology
- ANTH 325 Prehistory of the Pacific Northwest
- ANTH 352 The Anthropology of Environmental Issues
- ANTH 357 Medical Anthropology: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Health and Healing
- ANTH 411 Primate Conservation
- ANTH 427 Environmental Archaeology
- ANTH 440 Ecology and Culture
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.