Biological anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that examines biological aspects of the human species from comparative, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives. The undergraduate program in biological anthropology offers a wide range of introductory and advanced classes. In the biological concentration, you’ll study biological aspects of the human species from comparative, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives. The UO features specialists in primate behavior and in human and primate skeletal studies. Students have supervised access to the biological anthropology lab that stores dental collections from South Asia and other skeletal models for study. The archaeology program at the UO is renowned for its work in Northwest archaeology, Pacific Islands archaeology, and digs in the California Channel Islands. The UO offers a summer field school for undergraduates to work on digs in Western and Central Oregon, camping out for six weeks while surveying and hunting for artifacts. Collected materials are analyzed in the archaeology lab at the UO, where students identify and document findings. This is hands-on learning at its best. The UO anthropology department offers an award-winning faculty, fascinating classes, and a curriculum that allows students to explore and focus within this broad topic. Once you decide which of the three areas interests you most, an adviser will help you plan your academic path and serve as an invaluable source of knowledge about what to do with your anthropology major in the professional world.

Particularly these days, students and parents are concerned with the practical utility of a bachelor’s degree. Is it “worth it” from a monetary perspective? The answer is YES! Studies show that those who have earned a liberal arts bachelor’s degree are more hire-able and earn more than those without the degree. Achieving a bachelor’s degree demonstrates to employers the ability to persevere and accomplish goals. It also shows a level of intellectual capability and writing and analytic skills that employers value. In addition, a degree in Anthropology suggests an appreciation of cultural difference and an ability to work with and relate to people from various walks of life. In today’s world, employers value these abilities. Anthropology grads find employment in business, social service organizations, non-profits, museums, political organizations, and education. Biological Anthropology students may find work in laboratories and Archaeology students have found work at the Forest Service and doing contract archaeology. Cultural Anthropology students have had jobs in adoption agencies and in political action jobs. Graduates of our program have gone on to graduate school in anthropology, medical school, and law school. A degree in Anthropology offers flexibility and opens up many doors for the future.