Students who elect to pursue the archaeology track take the foundation courses but also have the opportunity to take multiple upper-level courses which focus on specific topics in archaeology. In addition, majors receive a broad yet rigorous liberal arts education.

Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human in the broadest sense, through an examination of culture and society (sociocultural and linguistic anthropology), the biology and evolution of humans and our closest relatives (biological anthropology) and the study of past human communities and material culture (archaeology). Students develop an appreciation of the value of physical and cultural differences at the local, national and global levels, and learn critical thinking skills that support them in careers that involve working with individuals of diverse national or ethnic backgrounds. 

The aim of the anthropology major is to provide a background in behavioral studies for students who desire a broad education in either the biological or the social sciences. Anthropology majors can obtain research experience in science and the humanities through ethnographic or biological research, or archaeology field schools. Most undergraduates in Anthropology at Texas A&M select this major because of the opportunity it affords them to acquire a sound liberal education.  

The curriculum is ideal for students who want to pursue professional careers or graduate study in anthropology and archaeology. However, students will also find the curriculum fully suitable to prepare them for employment opportunities or careers in: secondary or higher education; medicine; law; museum and foundation settings; the local, state and federal government (such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Institute of Health and others); non-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations; foreign service with government agencies (such as the Agency for International Development, United Nations organizations and others); private archaeological research institutions; and nontraditional opportunities emerging in business and management.

Graduation requirements include 3 hours of International and Cultural Diversity courses and 3 hours of Cultural Discourse courses. A course satisfying a core category, a college/department requirement, or a free elective can be used to satisfy this requirement. The required 6 hours may be met by courses satisfying other areas of a degree program.  See your academic advisor for further information.

Writing Courses

All students in each track are required to take two courses with the writing attribute, also known as “W-courses”, from the department. Substitutions with W-courses from other departments are not allowed. Please see the academic advisor for the most current list of Anthropology W-courses.

Minor Requirements

Anthropology majors may select a minor field of study from departments or divisions within or outside the College of Liberal Arts or in a particular area of interest (as with interdisciplinary minors or career opportunity minors). The minor will consist of 15-18 hours or coursework, at least 6 of which must be at the upper-division level. A grade of C or higher is required if a course is to count in the minor. A minor should be declared before the student has completed 90 credit hours.

College and University Requirements

Other courses may qualify for this category. Students should consult the approved lists of courses available through the academic advisor in the Department of Anthropology or in the Undergraduate Student Services Office in the College of Liberal Arts. The following list incorporates University Core Curriculum requirements. No course can be counted in more than one category. To promote the opportunity for anthropology majors to acquire a broad educational experience, anthropology students must satisfy their University requirements for language, philosophy and culture, social and behavioral sciences, and the sciences with courses other than those offered by anthropology.

Students must complete a minimum of 36 hours of 300- or 400-level coursework at Texas A&M University.