The Department of Anthropology offers a Bachelor of Arts with a major in anthropology for those who wish to pursue a career in the discipline of anthropology, for those simply interested in the human condition and for those who may wish to combine the study of anthropology with another discipline.
We also offer a number of courses which satisfy breadth requirements for other majors. Anthropology's focus on understanding cultural diversity makes it a useful subject for people planning careers in areas such as education, business, medicine, and law.
Anthropology majors at UNT receive a broad range of training in theory and methodology: ethnography, in-depth interviewing, survey research and quantitative analysis. Courses require intensive writing, and all students are encouraged to become proficient in a second language. UNT places emphasis on training students in the application of anthropological knowledge in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, in local, regional and international arenas. Students are encouraged to travel abroad and often get hands-on experience while working in UNT's international field schools.
As an anthropology major, you may join the UNT Anthropology Student Association, which focuses on understanding the life experiences of diverse peoples throughout time. The group sponsors field trips, a faculty lecture series and discussions of social issues. The association is open to all students interested in anthropology.
Students in anthropology gain practical experience in several ways. As an anthropology major, you may help uncover a buried archaeological site in Texas, or you may work as an intern in a museum or a social agency.
Faculty members serve as mentors to students. As an anthropology major, you may work on a professor's research project or conduct a research project of your own.
Archaeology
Archaeology is generally considered to be part of anthropology. However, at UNT, our three archaeologists, Reid Ferring, Lisa Nagaoka, and Steve Wolverton are housed in the Geography Department. Undergraduate students who are interested in Archaeology may major in Anthropology or Geography at UNT. To choose the correct major, students should seek advice from faculty members in both departments. Generally speaking, those interested in archaeology with an anthropological focus (concerning social and cultural perspectives) should major in Anthropology and then take a variety of Archaeology courses. Those students interested in Archaeological Science (environmental archaeology, geoarchaeology, zooarchaeology) should major in Geography. Graduate students interested in studying Archaeology at UNT must do so through the Master's in Applied Geography program. All Archaeology courses are listed under the ARCH prefix and are taught through the Department of Geography.
The Archaeology Minor: if a student is majoring in Anthropology or Geography and their interests lie in Archaeology, they may not minor in Archaeology because ARCH courses are part of the curriculum for each major. If a student is majoring in Geography, they should minor in Anthropology to gain exposure to relevant coursework. If majoring in Anthropology, minor in Geography to gain additional skills and concepts relevant to a career in Archaeology. A double major in Anthropology and Geography is another desirable option for those who desire a career in Archaeology.
Physical Anthropology
Physical anthropology is generally considered to be part of anthropology. However, at UNT, physical/biological anthropology is housed in the Biology Department. Undergraduate students wishing to focus on physical anthropology will major in anthropology, but they should take as many courses as possible in physical/biological anthropology, and they should feel welcome to consult Dr. Gill-King for advice on courses and career development.
How to Apply to UNT
On-line Application to UNT (via the Texas Common Application)
On-line Financial Aid Form (via FAFSA on the Web)
