College of the Sciences
Anthropology
Bachelor of Science | Major
Bachelor of Science in Anthropology
In the Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, you will learn about human and nonhuman societies, cultures, and biological diversity, now and in the past.
Through classroom lectures, research projects, and experiential learning, you’ll gain critical thinking skills, cultural competency, and research expertise. The Anthropology Department offers you the opportunity to interact with your field—in-person.
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Anthropology and Museum Studies
357A Dean Hall
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What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Anthropology and Museum Studies Website
Anthropology 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
Select upper division courses in:
- Archaeology
- Biological Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Linguistics
Additional Courses
- ANTH 458 - Anthropology Senior Comprehensive Survey
- Theory Course
- ANTH 410 - Biological Anthropology: Theoretical and Research Issues
- ANTH 421 - Archaelogical Theory
- ANTH 451 - History and Theory of Anthropology
- Department-approved seminar
- Electives in Anthropology and related fields
Unique Courses
Our program offers hands-on field courses in both archaeology and forensic anthropology every summer, giving you real-world skills and experience.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations
Engage with closely affiliated programs like Museum Studies, Forensics, and Primate Behavior & Ecology, broadening your expertise and career options.
Faculty Connections
Benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty who are committed to your success, offering guidance in both coursework and career development.
Barlow Awards
With Barlow Awards, you can receive up to $2,000 to support attending our summer field programs, exploring fieldwork opportunities elsewhere, or pursuing unique projects.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
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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.
Medical Anthropology
Explore illness, healing, and healthcare from a cross-cultural perspective in this engaging course.
Alumni Network
Become part of a large network of professionals who work in various industries across the globe.
Class Sizes
Experience a personalized education with small class sizes that allow you to get to know your professors and classmates.
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.