The undergraduate program is built around a core of courses designed to provide a broad base of knowledge in the field. Courses in several areas give concentrated preparation for careers or graduate training in anthropology. No subfield concentration is required for the baccalaureate degree in anthropology. However, several sequences of courses are recommended for students who want to concentrate in a particular subfield. Majors are required to meet with an advisor every fall semester to discuss the most appropriate course sequence. Students are also encouraged to meet with an advisor early in their college career in order to discuss Study Abroad options in consultation with the Office of International Programs.

Anthropology is the study of humankind over time and place. Undergraduates majoring in anthropology are exposed to a multi-field approach that examines current cultures, the study of remains of past societies, study of human evolution and variation, all with an aim of further understanding what it means to be human. The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology is designed to serve the needs of students who do not plan to continue their training beyond the baccalaureate level, as well as those who intend to pursue graduate study leading to the M.A. or Ph.D. in anthropology or in another academic discipline. The Master of Arts in Anthropology is offered for those who plan to continue their graduate work elsewhere toward the doctorate as well as those who plan to terminate their training at the master's level and seek employment or obtain a teaching credential.