Programs
In our undergraduate anthropology program, we pride ourselves on attentive one-on-one mentoring, small class sizes, and essential networking in Denver's world-class museums and other cultural institutions. Students integrate critical thinking and research findings to create a deep understanding of cultural similarities and differences.
Our graduate anthropology students specialize in one of our three concentrations: archaeology, cultural anthropology or museum and heritage studies. Theoretical and practical applications prepare students for careers in fields such as museum work, archaeology, cultural heritage management, non-profit management and numerous others.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Anthropology
About this Program
Our BA in anthropology takes a holistic approach to the study of human physical and cultural difference across time and space. An interdisciplinary field, anthropology draws on expertise from across the arts, humanities, and social and natural sciences at DU.
Through courses centered around social change, human rights, environmental issues, material culture, technology, science and more, you'll gain an understanding of the diversity of human thought and behavior while developing practical research skills. You can garner distinction in the major by specializing in one of its core areas of study: archaeology, cultural anthropology, and museum and heritage studies.
Faculty across the department are committed to hands-on, experiential learning that goes beyond the classroom and into the laboratory, museum, gallery and field settings. DU's own Museum of Anthropology serves as a public-facing, community-engaged space for you to gain real-world experience.
In our labs and museums, you can hone professional skills, from interviewing, surveying and photography, to conservation, exhibition design and project management.
Graduates go on to pursue careers in research, cultural heritage management, museum work, public health, environmental conservation, education, foreign policy, and human rights and advocacy.
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Anthropology
About this Program
Our MA focuses on public anthropology by applying the discipline's concepts, methods and insights to issues of contemporary relevance and concern. You'll gain valuable experience in archaeological field schools and community-engaged research projects or work in collections and in the Museum of Anthropology gallery. To hone your expertise, we offer three distinct degree tracks in Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology and Museum and Heritage Studies.
Real-world experiences help you develop professional skills that will prepare you for work in:
- Research and teaching
- Cultural resource management, museums and heritage sites
- Public health and community development
- Environmental conservation
- Human rights and social welfare
We have long-established relationships with museums, Native American community partners, local nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. These relationships provide opportunities for collaborative research, internships and networking.
Whether you pursue a career as a professional anthropologist, field technician, museum professional, national park staff member or heritage site educator, you'll be informed by a cross-cultural and historical perspective on the human condition.
