Why study Anthropology at Washburn?

Are you curious about cultures, people, history, and how people engage with the world around them? Consider anthropology.

While an anthropology degree can open the door to many careers that require a bachelor’s degree, it’s also a path to a remarkably varied field that can provide work in a variety of settings – from outside dealing with artifacts to in community rooms working to uncover the best path forward on a tricky issue.

At Washburn, you’ll learn with experts in the field who provide opportunities to build your own skills through research, practice and specialized training.

Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $51,850on campus
A skull rests on the table as a student takes notes in class

What is Anthropology?

Anthropologists try to answer the fundamental question “What makes us human?” through a global and holistic approach. American anthropology includes four subfields:

  • Archaeology - the study of human past
  • Biological Anthropology - the study of human evolution and variation
  • Cultural Anthropology - the study of human cultures
  • Linguistic Anthropology - the study of human languages

Washburn's Forensic Anthropology concentration applies the anthropological subfields of biological, archaeology and cultural anthropology in a medico-legal context.
Anthropology students discuss their work during a poster presentation.

What sets Anthropology at Washburn apart?

  • Archaeological field school and community-engaged coursework bring careers in anthropology to life, whether you want to work with non-profits, business or government agencies.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to complete original research with faculty mentors and to present your research at international, national or regional conferences.
  • Scholarships are available for returning students.
  • Find your people on campus with the Sociology/Anthropology Club.

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Admissions scholarships

Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.

Anthropology department scholarships

The Sociology And Anthropology Department offers a variety of scholarships based on academic performance and career pursuits. Returning and transfer students are eligible. Applications are due early in the spring.

Tuition and fees

Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate rate.

Financial aid

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Tuition waivers

If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.

Fill out the Undergraduate Admissions Application and enroll to pursue anthropology. It's common to declare a major in anthropology at enrollment and then determine your specific interest.

After your preliminary course work, you’ll be able to participate in field school, directed research, and an internship. Connect with your advisor and attend club events to make sure you find out about opportunities coming up!

Washburn Career Engagement provides several career fairs and career-readiness workshops, including resume editing and mock-interview practice.

Among graduates in the last five years, 26 percent have continued directly to graduate school in areas such as Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Library Information Science, Organizational Leadership, and Museum Studies.

Meet alumna Sabrina Jones

“I do all the artifact processing (washing, identification/analysis, curation prep, data entry, etc.) for all phase I-III archaeological surveys conducted by the company for Section 106 (of the National Historic Preservation Act) and other compliance related requirements. We do a ton of work with the NPS (National Park Service) and the Department of Defense, as well as lots of smaller entities across the country. I literally use what I learned at Washburn every single day in my job!”

- Sabrina Jones, ba anthropology, research analyst/lab technician at a Kansas City engineering firm

Set for Success

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook

Qualities for success

Curious

Interested in diversity and cultures

Interdisciplinary

Open to new experiences and cultures

Student/faculty ratio

20:1

Specialized experiences

Kansas State Historical Society partnership

Archeological Field School

Cultural Anthropology is happening now – real-world opportunities

Study Abroad experiences led by faculty

 

SOAN club

Meet other majors and students interested in anthropology
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Become an Ichabod!
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WTE program

The Washburn Transformational Experience program helps you follow your dreams with experiences outside of the classroom
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GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Sociology & Anthropology

Sociology & Anthropology Department
West Hall, Room 100
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

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