B.S. in Anthropology
Harrisonburg, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
USD 6,434 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular admission | November 1st, 2022: early admission
** in-state tuition fee | $15,076: out-of-state tuition fee. Additional fees may apply
Introduction
Anthropology is the documenting of the diverse ways humans live.
At JMU, anthropology majors review many different factors to uncover the answers to these deep questions. The examination of artifacts, beliefs, and values helps anthropologists to obtain specific clues about human life. In order to gather information about beliefs and values, anthropologists often work directly with the people who they are studying.
This fascinating, hands-on field offers a lifetime of learning experiences and remarkably flexible career options.
The anthropology program at JMU is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the discipline illustrating the topics and issues of the modern world that are addressed by its four sub-fields: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archeology, and linguistics. Building from a general program, students can choose to concentrate in the theory and practice of any of the subfields except linguistics.
The program is strongly practice-oriented and encourages students to participate in internships, field schools, independent studies, and special topics that allow them to broaden their anthropological awareness. All of the faculty are actively involved in significant research within their chosen areas of study. This scholarship is not only reflected in courses that are current and informed by practical experience, but also in a wide range of opportunities for students to be mentored by faculty in collaborative research projects.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
Required Courses
- General Education 41 Credit Hours 1
- Quantitative requirement 3 Credit Hours 2
- Scientific Literacy requirement 3-4 Credit Hours 2
- University electives 35-36 Credit Hours
- Major requirements (listed below) and electives 41 Credit Hours
Footnotes
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 MATH 220. Elementary Statistics [C3QR], is strongly recommended for those students who have not taken that course or an equivalent as part of their General Education.
Major Requirements
To earn a B.A. or B.S. degree in anthropology, students complete 41 credit hours in the major. Given the diverse opportunities the discipline provides, the major is designed to allow students the opportunity to work closely with their advisers to develop a curriculum appropriate to their personal and professional interests. Those students wishing to do so may elect to pursue a concentration in one of the three sub-disciplines of cultural, biological or archaeological anthropology.
The concentrations guide students in choosing courses to enhance opportunities for graduate school or allow them to pursue an area of personal interest within the larger discipline of anthropology. Up to two elective courses from a discipline outside of anthropology may be applied to the major. Elective courses from outside of the program must be approved by the student’s adviser and must be at the 300- or 400-level. Students must receive at least a “C-” in a class to have it count toward the major.
General Concentration
The general program provides students with a holistic introduction to the breadth of anthropology highlighting experience in the subdisciplines of cultural, archaeological, and biological anthropology, as well as introductory experiences in linguistics. The program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the discipline in preparation for advanced graduate training or as an adjunct to their personal and professional aspirations.
Required Courses
- ANTH 195. Cultural Anthropology [C4GE] Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 196. Biological Anthropology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 197. Archaeology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 201. The Discipline of Anthropology Credits: 1.00
- ANTH 375. Anthropological Theory Credits: 3.00 1
- One elective from each of the following: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology 9 Credit Hours
- Other electives 15 Credit Hours 2,3
One course from the following: 4 Credit Hours
- ANTH 435. Ethnographic Genres and Methods Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 445. Methods and Research Perspectives in Biological Anthropology Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 455. Archaeology: Methods of Analysis and Interpretation Credits: 4.00
Footnotes
1 Students should take two of ANTH 195, ANTH 196 or ANTH 197 and at least one anthropology elective before taking ANTH 375.
2 Students may take up to two adviser approved electives at the 300 or 400 level from courses outside the program.
3 Students should consider including ANTH 305. Language and Culture as one of their electives.
Anthropology Course Designations
Archaeology (A)
- ANTH 197. Archaeology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 205. Buried Cities, Lost Tribes: The Rise and Fall of Early Human Societies [C2HQC] Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 250. Anthropology of the American Southwest Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 307. Climate, Culture and Change Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 311. Archaeology of Virginia Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 312. The Native Americans Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 325. Aztec, Maya and Their Predecessors Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 327. Ancient North American Civilizations Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 331. Historical Archaeology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 366. Anthropology of War Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 391. Study Abroad Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
- ANTH 395. Special Topics in Anthropology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 410. Spatial Analysis for Anthropologists Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 455. Archaeology: Methods of Analysis and Interpretation Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 486. Internship in Anthropology Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
- ANTH 490. Special Studies in Anthropology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- ANTH 492. History from Things: Material Culture Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 494. Field Techniques in Archaeology Credits: 4.00 - 8.00
- ANTH 496. Research Thesis Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 499. Honors Thesis Credits: 6.00
Biological Anthropology (B)
- ANTH 196. Biological Anthropology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 315. Human Evolution Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 316. Human Evolutionary Psychology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 317. Primate Evolutionary Ecology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 318. The Evolution of Primate Sexuality and Reproduction Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 319. Human Osteology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 352. Birth, Death, Sex: Exploring Demography Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 391. Study Abroad Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
- ANTH 395. Special Topics in Anthropology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 410. Spatial Analysis for Anthropologists Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 415. Anthropological Genetics Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 430. Primate Conservation Biology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 445. Methods and Research Perspectives in Biological Anthropology Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 486. Internship in Anthropology Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
- ANTH 490. Special Studies in Anthropology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- ANTH 499. Honors Thesis Credits: 6.00
Cultural Anthropology (C)
- ANTH 195. Cultural Anthropology [C4GE] Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 265. Peoples and Cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 280. Peoples and Cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 295. People and Cultures of East Asia Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 300. The Anthropology of Food Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 305. Language and Culture Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 306. Japanese Society and Culture Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 323. Anthropology and Photography Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 324. Mindfulness and Anthropology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 350. Magic, Witchcraft and Religion Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 352. Birth, Death, Sex: Exploring Demography Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 360. Medical Anthropology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 364. U.S./Latin American Borders Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 366. Anthropology of War Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 368. Contemporary American Culture Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 370. Topics in the Anthropology of Gender Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 375. Anthropological Theory Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 376. Anthropology of Reproduction Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 377. Space/Culture/Power Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 388. Prisons, Punishment and the State Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 389. Ethnographic Experience in Dominica Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 390. Topics in Cultural Studies Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 391. Study Abroad Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
- ANTH 395. Special Topics in Anthropology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 405. Topics in Linguistic Anthropology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 410. Spatial Analysis for Anthropologists Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 411. Topics in Ethnographic Film Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 435. Ethnographic Genres and Methods Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 436. Afro-Latin America Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 486. Internship in Anthropology Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
- ANTH 490. Special Studies in Anthropology Credits: 1.00 - 3.00
- ANTH 499. Honors Thesis Credits: 6.00
Field Experience (F)
- ANTH 391. Study Abroad Credits: 1.00 - 6.00
- ANTH 435. Ethnographic Genres and Methods Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 455. Archaeology: Methods of Analysis and Interpretation Credits: 4.00
- ANTH 494. Field Techniques in Archaeology Credits: 4.00 - 8.00
Required for All Anthropology Majors (R)
- ANTH 195. Cultural Anthropology [C4GE] Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 196. Biological Anthropology [C3NS] Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 197. Archaeology Credits: 3.00
- ANTH 201. The Discipline of Anthropology Credits: 1.00
- ANTH 375. Anthropological Theory Credits: 3.00
Writing Intensive (W)
- ANTH 375. Anthropological Theory Credits: 3.00
Career Opportunities
A successful career and a meaningful life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s an internship, a great first job or a top graduate school appointment, JMU Dukes make their dreams ignite. You will, too.
Here are current openings available to JMU students.
Jobs for JMU Students
Social Science
- Senior Principal Early Childhood Technical Assistance (TA) Specialist at SRI International
- Drug and Alcohol Case Management Specialist - Franklin and Fulton County PA at Franklin County PA
- Teacher - Special Education (Special Education Teacher) at Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Probation Officer I - Franklin County Adult Probation at Franklin County PA
- Correctional Treatment Specialist (Drug Abuse Treatment Specialist) at Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Sr. Research Analyst, Quantitative at Child Trends
- Sr. Research Analyst, Mixed Methods at Child Trends
- Director of Equitable Access Reseach and Technical Assistance at Child Trends
- Therapist/Social Worker - Kaiser Wrap Concord at Seneca Family of Agencies
- Kaiser Wrap Social Worker/Therapist - Fairfield at Seneca Family of Agencies
- Teacher Resident: Inclusive Childhood Education at NYU Teacher Residency
- Teacher Resident: Middle & High School at NYU Teacher Residency
- Market Research Analyst-Summer 2023 start date at NAILBITER
- Market Research Analyst-must be available to start in Jan. 2023 at NAILBITER
- Mental Health Therapist at Seneca Family of Agencies
- Family Drug Court Coordinator-Butte, Krueger at Montana Judicial Branch
- Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer I- Bozeman, Wysoski at Montana Judicial Branch
- Technical Assistance Analyst/Sr. Technical Assistance Analyst at Child Trends
- Correctional Officer - Sandstone at Federal Bureau of Prisons
Culture
- Business Insurance Data Scientist - Summer Intern at Farmers Insurance Corporate Careers
- Business Insurance Product Analyst - Summer Intern at Farmers Insurance Corporate Careers
- Actuarial Intern at Farmers Insurance Corporate Careers
- Accounting Intern at Weyrich | Cronin | Sorra, LLC
- 2023 Aronson Accelerate Leadership Program at Aronson
- Human Resources Intern at Sleep Number Corporation
- MRC Culture Paid Internship - Spring 2023 at Media Research Center
- Safety Intern - Kiewit Safety (Summer 2023) at Kiewit
- Accounting Intern – Summer 2023 at WPS Health Solutions
- Talent Acquisition Intern – Summer 2023 at WPS Health Solutions
- 2023 Summer Intern - Information Security at State Farm Insurance Companies
- WEB3 Interns - Music Industry at Ropeadope
- Corporate Relations Summer Intern 2023 (Paid) at BNSF Railway
- Environmental Summer Intern 2023 (Paid) at BNSF Railway
- 2023 - Early Career – Enterprise Risk Management – Summer Intern - United States, Multiple Locations at AIG
- Corporate Audit Services Summer Intern 2023 (Paid) at BNSF Railway
- Corporate Communications Internship Summer 2023 at Hanesbrands, Inc.
- 2023 Risk Management Division Summer Analyst Program - New York at Societe Generale
- 2023 Information Technology Summer Analyst Program (New York) at Societe Generale
Museum
- Strategy Analyst at Dollar Tree & Family Dollar
- MBA STRATEGY SPECIALIST at Dollar Tree & Family Dollar
- Accounting Specialist (Billing) at JK Moving Services & CapRelo
- Culinary/Back of House Manager in Training (OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ACROSS THE U.S.) at Compass Group USA
- Painter/Production Artist/Traveling Muralist at Creative Works
- Account Executive (Hybrid) at JK Moving Services & CapRelo
- Solidworks Engineer - Furniture/Toy/Prop Designer at Creative Works
- Reading Specialist, Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- Teaching Fellow, Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- High School Teacher (2022-2023 School Year), Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- ELA/English Teacher Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- History or Social Studies Teacher, Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- Middle or High School Math Teacher, Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- Science Teacher Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- Music Elementary Elective Teacher, Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- ENL Teacher, Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- High School Spanish Teacher, Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- Physical Education Teacher, Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
- African American History Teacher, Promise Academy at Harlem Children's Zone (NY)
Non-Profit
- Senior Data Engineer at The Trevor Project
- Senior Officer, Program Delivery at Winrock International
- Administrative Organizer (@ Common Ground of Southeastern Wisconsin) at Jobs That Help
- Accounting Associate/Bookkeeper at Gursey Schneider LLP
- Art Therapist at A Free Bird Corporation
- Publications Specialist at American Industrial Hygiene Association
- DT-4177 Manufacturing Industrial Optimization Engineer I (L7) at Daimler Truck North America
- Management Trainee, Quality - Warner Robins, GA at CSL
- Management Trainee of Operations - Decatur, IL at CSL
- Management Trainee Operations - Las Cruces, NM at CSL
- Speech Therapist at Intermountain Deaconess Children's Services
- Management Trainee - Lawrence, Kansas at CSL
- Management Trainee Operations - Joliet, Il at CSL
- Swing Shift Program Supervisor - Riverside Welcoming Center at Seneca Family of Agencies
- (#R26005) Psychiatrist / ACTT / Assertive Community Treatment Team at RHA Health Services, LLC
- Human Resources Coordinator at National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
- Junior Accountant at Institute for Justice
- Associate Financial Analyst at Virginia State Corporation Commission
- Wraparound Facilitator at Seneca Family of Agencies
Internships for JMU Students
Social Science
- 2023 Spring Research and Analysis Internship at Partnership for Public Service
- International Research Analyst at Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
- Research Analyst at Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
- Community Resource Reporting at Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
- Project Area Internships Fall 2022 at Policy Research Associates
- Evaluation and Learning Intern at Everytown for Gun Safety
- Advocacy Internship (Spring 2023) at Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research
- Research Intern at Bluestone Institute
- CDC Tribal Public Health Fellowship at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- CDC Research Opportunity in Enhancing Opportunities for Multi-Sector Collaboration in Healthy Tribes Programs at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- CDC Research Opportunity on Enhancing Tribal Data Access at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- USFS Fire Ecology Internship at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
- Summer Internship with Federal Agency (all majors welcome) at Partnership for Public Service
- Community College Internship (CCI) - Summer 2023 at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- NielsenIQ Commercial Analyst Internship - Summer 2023 at NielsenIQ
- Xtern - The Ultimate Internship Experience at TechPoint
- Software Engineering/Development/Testing Xtern - The Ultimate Internship Experience at TechPoint
- Cloud Administrator Xtern - The Ultimate Internship Experience at TechPoint
- UX Design Xtern - The Ultimate Internship Experience at TechPoint
Culture
- Business Insurance Data Scientist - Summer Intern at Farmers Insurance Corporate Careers
- Business Insurance Product Analyst - Summer Intern at Farmers Insurance Corporate Careers
- Actuarial Intern at Farmers Insurance Corporate Careers
- Accounting Intern at Weyrich | Cronin | Sorra, LLC
- 2023 Aronson Accelerate Leadership Program at Aronson
- Human Resources Intern at Sleep Number Corporation
- MRC Culture Paid Internship - Spring 2023 at Media Research Center
- Safety Intern - Kiewit Safety (Summer 2023) at Kiewit
- Accounting Intern – Summer 2023 at WPS Health Solutions
- Talent Acquisition Intern – Summer 2023 at WPS Health Solutions
- 2023 Summer Intern - Information Security at State Farm Insurance Companies
- WEB3 Interns - Music Industry at Ropeadope
- Corporate Relations Summer Intern 2023 (Paid) at BNSF Railway
- Environmental Summer Intern 2023 (Paid) at BNSF Railway
- 2023 - Early Career – Enterprise Risk Management – Summer Intern - United States, Multiple Locations at AIG
- Corporate Audit Services Summer Intern 2023 (Paid) at BNSF Railway
- Corporate Communications Internship Summer 2023 at Hanesbrands, Inc.
- 2023 Risk Management Division Summer Analyst Program - New York at Societe Generale
- 2023 Information Technology Summer Analyst Program (New York) at Societe Generale
Museum
- Center for Jewish History – Audio Visual Intern at Center for Jewish History
- Culinary Intern (OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ACROSS THE U.S.) at Compass Group USA
- Museum Collections Member - Andersonville National Historic Site at American Conservation Experience
- The Phillips Collection Community Engagement Intern at Dupont Kalorama Museum Consortium
- Library of Congress Spring 2023 Internship at The Washington Center
- Social Media Virtual Intern (Winter/Spring 2023) at Smithsonian Associates
- Adult Education Programming and Special Events Virtual Intern (Winter/Spring 2023) at Smithsonian Associates
- Fall and Spring Internships for Undergraduate and Graduate Students at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- History Museum Intern at Vinton Historical Society, Inc
- Nauticus Merchandising Intern at Nauticus
- Social Media Intern at The Mansion on O Street
- Hospitality Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Development Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Events Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Photography Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Volunteering Graphic Designer at William Preston's Smithfield
- Music Archivist-Curator Internship at The Mansion on O Street
- Contemporary Art Museum internship at Shenandoah MOCA
Non-Profit
- Conservation Crew Member with Wilderness First Aid and Chainsaw Training - ACE Southwest at American Conservation Experience
- Conservation Crew AmeriCorps Member - ACE Southwest - Fall/Winter at American Conservation Experience
- Legislative Strategy Intern at BSA | The Software Alliance
- MRCTV Paid Internship - Spring 2023 at Media Research Center
- Research Analyst at Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
- LAI Video Assistant Editor Intern at Leading Authorities, Inc.
- Center for Jewish History – Audio Visual Intern at Center for Jewish History
- Friends of Puerto Rico Volunteer Manager at AmeriCorps
- Human Resources Intern at JCC
- Animal Care Internship - Large Carnivores at The Wild Animal Sanctuary - Texas
- Community Outreach Intern in the Balkans at Crossworld
- Intern, Target Field Events - Assistant Event Coordinator at Minnesota Twins
- INTERNSHIPS - NAMI HelpLine Information and Resource Referral Specialists - Spring 2023 at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Consultant at KARKI Consulting Group
- Premier College Intern Program - Operations Research Analyst at US Air Force
- Systems / Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering and Physics Internships at MITRE Corporation
- Health Policy Analysis Graduate Intern at MITRE Corporation
- Summer 2023 Bond & Specialty Insurance Underwriting Internship at Travelers
- Summer 2023 Bond & Specialty Insurance Underwriting Internship at Travelers
Scholarships and Funding
Madison awards more than 400 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The primary criterion for merit-based scholarships is exceptional academic performance. Other selection criteria may include leadership, involvement, and career goals.
The Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To access the Madison Scholarships Hub, log in to MyMadison. Under the Applicant tab, click on the Madison Scholarships Hub logo.
All students are encouraged to fill out the General Application in the Madison Scholarships Hub to be considered for various scholarship opportunities. Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the General Application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.
Review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunities you are presented with and if you meet the qualifications, click apply to submit the additional required information. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the General Application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Some scholarship opportunities become available starting in the fall while others open later so be sure to check back in January, February and March.
English Language Requirements
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