Undergraduate Studies

 

The Anthropology Department

The Anthropology Department at the University at Albany offers comprehensive training in the four traditional subfields of anthropology:

• archaeology
• ethnography (cultural anthropology)
• biological anthropology (physical anthropology)
• linguistics

We have a particular emphasis on prehistoric, colonial, and contemporary New World Studies.

Our teaching and research programs in North American Native Studies and Mesoamerican Studies have a distinguished, international reputation.

The Anthropology Department provides undergraduates with a wide variety of courses, field and laboratory experiences, and guided research in each of the four major subfields of the discipline: archaeology, biological (physical) anthropology, ethnology (cultural anthropology), and linguistics. The department offers two majors: a B.A. in anthropology and a B.S. in Human Biology, a Faculty-Initiated Interdisciplinary Major (in conjunction with the department of Biological Sciences). Students are offered special opportunities for the study of past and present cultures in Mesoamerica, North America, and elsewhere through the research programs of the anthropology faculty.

The major prepares students for graduate studies in anthropology (the department has M.A. and cognate M.A. programs, and a doctoral program), as well as laying a broad scientific and liberal foundation for entering the professions, arts, or other occupations in the modern world. Many new career opportunities are developing in addition to traditional anthropological careers in college teaching, museum curation, and public archaeology. For example, the diverse ethnic composition of American society is making cross-cultural awareness a matter of increasing importance for careers in business, law, journalism, medicine, public policy, and primary and secondary education. The B.A. degree in anthropology also offers excellent preparation for careers in international business, public health, politics, and diplomacy. Moreover, many local, state federal, and international agencies are seeking personnel who have sensitivity to cultural diversity. Anthropology also provides a holistic perspective of and systematic training in the impact of human activity and values on the environment. The study of cross-cultural factors affecting the delivery of health care can be important to a career in health services. Finally, a degree in biological anthropology is a good foundation for graduate work in genetic epidemiology and other specialties within the field of public health.

Degree Requirements for the Major in Anthropology - before Fall 2006

General Program B.A.: A minimum of 36 credits in anthropology including A Ant 110N, 104, 108M or 108G, and 106M or 220M. Of the 24 additional credits in anthropology, no more than 6 may be at the 100 level and at least 12 must be at the 300 level or above.

Degree Requirements for the Major in Anthropology - beginning Fall 2006

General Program B.A.: A minimum of 36 credits in anthropology including A Ant 110, 104, 108 or 108Z, or 220, and 499. Of the 21 additional credits in anthropology, no more than 6 may be at the 100 level and at least 12 must be at the 300 level or above.