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Anthropology

Anthropology explores the interaction of human biology and culture, offering insights through its four subdivisions: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and cultural anthropology. The major provides training in all areas of anthropology for the liberal arts major with an interest in global awareness, cultural diversity, human adaptation, and an understanding of human behavior.

Careers in Anthropology

Anthropologists find careers in government agencies, education, healthcare, corporate management, and forensic investigation, offering valuable insights through their holistic understanding of human behavior, cultural diversity, and biological adaptation. Their training also serves as a strong foundation for advanced studies in health professions and biological sciences.
  • Advocacy (Human Rights/Social Justice)
  • Cultural Resource Management
  • Community Development
  • Education/Outreach
  • Environmental and Natural Resources
  • Evaluation / Assessment

Potential Salary

Median Salary $63,800

The median annual wage for Anthropologists and Archeologists in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Anthropology Degrees at MSU

Anthropology, Bachelor of Arts

Anthropology is the study of humans. Anthropologists are interested in culture, archaeology, biology and language. Anthropologists work in community organizations, museums, and government agencies, among others. Combine anthropology with a language emphasis to increase the power of the degree.

Anthropology, Bachelor of Science

Anthropology is the study of what makes us human. Anthropologists take different approaches to understand how humans interact with each other and the world around them. Anthropology careers include work in community organizations, museums, and government agencies, among others.

Anthropology, Minor

Anthropology is the study of humans. The discipline includes archaeology, as well as cultural, biological and linguistic anthropology. An anthropology degree prepares students to work in community organizations, museums, and government agencies, among others.

Geoarcheology, Certificate

This certificate prepares students to be highly competitive in either further education or the job market in archeology, geography, and geology.

Museum Studies, Certificate

We welcome students interested in all types of museums including history, technology, science, art, special topic or themed museums, historic sites, national parks, and zoos, and those interested in exhibitions for corporations, government agencies, and private organizations.

Applied Anthropology, Master of Science

Applied anthropologists work to solve real world problems using anthropological methods. Career paths include working for non-profit agencies, museums, and community organizations, among others. Jobs for applied anthropologists have shown strong growth as a result of their valuable skill sets.

Museum Studies, Graduate Certificate

We welcome students interested in all types of museums including history, technology, science, art, special topic or themed museums, historic sites, national parks and zoos and those interested in exhibitions for corporations, government agencies and private organizations. 

EARTH Systems Labratory

EARTH Systems Lab

The interdisciplinary lab at Minnesota State University, Mankato combines Earth Science, Geography, and Anthropology to prepare students for careers in academia, business or government. Students engage in hands-on research to understand natural processes and their impacts on humans through modern and ancient timescales. Research areas include archaeology, soils, climate change, geomorphology, natural hazards and human-environment interactions.

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 Archeology, Geography, and Earth Sciences (AGES) Club

The mission of the AGES Club is to provide students at the MNSU, Mankato interested in the fields of archeology, geography, and earth sciences with opportunities for relevant field experiences, training, and networking. We provide students with the necessary assistance to develop academically and professionally within the field. We are open to all students, no matter their level of interest or background.

Anthropology Real-World Experiences

Go beyond the classroom. Apply your knowledge by working at an archaeological dig site, connecting with immigrants and refugees in our local community or learning how to work with human bones at crime scenes.

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Geography

Geography studies the interactions between people and our environment, and it uses cutting-edge geospatial technologies to solve real-world problems. Geospatial technologies provide students with skills in high demand in the workforce.

professor showing two students soil samples

Earth Science

Earth Systems Science is a STEM field that utilizes our understanding of the various interconnected systems on Earth to address major environment problems of our time.

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History

The History program prepares students for the future by helping them understand how the past affects the present and develop critical thinking and rhetorical skills. Our graduates are poised to become leaders, teachers, lawyers and more.

image of gloved hand looking at american indigenous artifacts

American Indigenous Studies

American Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides a broad understanding of Native Americans, especially the Dakota, and their respective ways of life in the past, present, and future.

Department of Anthropology

College of

Humanities and Social Sciences

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is an inclusive community of diverse learners seeking to examine, engage with and transform the social world while nurturing creativity and innovation. Our programs build a foundation of knowledge that adapts to a constantly changing society.

Learn More About the College of Humanities and Social Sciences