SMU Anthropology majors study boxes of human bones during a class.

Undergraduate programs

Anthropology

B.A., B.S.

Minor

Overview

Anthropology is the study of humanity and its variety through time and space. The Department of Anthropology, founded by famed archaeologist Fred Wendorf, is internationally recognized for scholarship that tackles the fundamental questions of human culture and society.

Anthropology is divided into four subfields:

  1. Archaeology
  2. Cultural/social anthropology
  3. Anthropological linguistics
  4. Biological anthropology

Students study human behavior and societies by adopting a cross-cultural perspective regarding the customs, cultures, languages, and social lives of different peoples around the world. Students study human populations of the prehistoric past, in places such as Guatemala (Maya), Peru (Inca), and the American Southwest. The studies of the fossil record, forensics and primates also provide clues about the origins and evolution of humans.

Home to members of the National Academy of Science, fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fulbright Scholars, and others, it is among the University’s leading departments.

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

11:1

undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio

90+

undergraduate majors at Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

Transfer students

Everything transfer students need to know about admission requirements.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Additional links

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Tuition and financial aid

2 out of 3 first-year students are awarded grants and/or scholarships with an average total of $38,598.

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for undergraduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

ANTH 2463

The Science of Our Past: An Introduction to Archaeology

Study evidence of past human behavior, with labs that emphasize hands-on analyses of artifacts and other archaeological materials.

ANTH 2301

Introductory Cultural Anthropology

Focuses on understanding the forces that shape cultures and societies and how they adapt to a rapidly changing world.

ANTH 2415

Introductory Biological Anthropology

Study of primate biocultural variation across time and space from an evolutionary perspective.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

Student success

Our majors continue on to top graduate programs and careers in research, medicine, consulting, policy, law and other fields.

Student stories

Anthropology major Diane Doan says faculty support from her SMU professors made her success possible.

Diane Doan ’26

“The anthropology program at SMU is one that puts its students first. All the professors in the department are well versed in their fields and are willing to listen to the needs of their students and offer aid whenever the student may be struggling inside and outside of the classroom. I would highly recommend this program to anyone that is eager to learn about how human diversity can be incorporated in numerous fields!”

Faculty

Faculty specializes in both archaeology and cultural anthropology, and undergraduate students have opportunities to be involved in faculty research and internships in diverse locales.

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Photo, Matthew Abel

Matthew Abel

Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Photo, Michael Adler

Michael A. Adler

Professor of Anthropology and Director of Undergraduate Studies
Photo, Elizabeth Berk

Elizabeth Berk

Lecturer of Anthropology Director of Undergraduate Studies - Health and Society
Photo, Eric Bing

Eric G. Bing

Professor of Global Health

Photo, Matthew Boulanger

Matthew T. Boulanger

Senior Lecturer Research Assistant Professor of Anthropology Director of the…
Photo, Maryann Cairns

Maryann R. Cairns

Associate Professor of Anthropology

Photo, Kacy Hollenback

Kacy L. Hollenback

Associate Professor of Anthropology
Photo, Xiaoyue Li

Xiaoyue Li

Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Photo, Karen Lupo

Karen D. Lupo

Professor of Anthropology
Photo, Kelly McKowen

Kelly McKowen

Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Director of Graduate Studies
Photo, David Meltzer

David J. Meltzer

Henderson-Morrison Professor of Prehistory

Photo, Neely Myers

Neely Laurenzo Myers

Professor of Anthropology and Department Chair
Photo of Betsy Nelson wearing a black shirt

Elizabeth A. Nelson

Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Photo, Nia Parson

Nia Parson

Associate Professor of Anthropology
Photo, Christopher Roos

Christopher I. Roos

Professor of Anthropology
Photo, Elyse Ona Singer

Elyse Ona Singer

Associate Professor of Anthropology

Facilities

SMU in Taos is a resource for archaeological students who want to deepen their understanding in the field.

SMU Taos

A 423-acre satellite campus with classroom, dining, and housing spaces nestled in the Carson National Forest.

The Archaeological Research Collections have thousands of relics are on hand for Anthropology students to view.

Archaeological Research Collections (ARC)

3,000 cubic feet of archaeological collections and archives currently housed within SMU’s Heroy Science Hall.

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Frequently asked questions

Our majors continue on to top graduate programs and careers in research, medicine, consulting, policy, law, and other fields. Our Ph.D. graduates flourish in both academic and nonacademic roles.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of anthropologists and archeologists is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Anthropologists made a median salary of $64,910 in 2024.

In addition to providing the basis for careers in archaeology, cultural or social anthropology, biological anthropology or anthropological linguistics, anthropology provides a background for professional careers in teaching, research, international affairs, medicine, business or law. 

Our anthropology B.A. program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the diversity of human biology and culture over time. Students are able to shape their particular specialty within anthropology while developing research skills for their life after graduation. Our B.A. program works well as a stand-alone major or when paired with another major for students pursuing diverse careers.

The B.S. program in anthropology is designed for students who are particularly interested in careers in medicine, public health or research in anthropological or archaeological sciences.

The Fort Burgwin campus is an important educational facet of SMU. Its unique environment, courses and research opportunities contribute to its popularity and enduring success.

Students have the opportunity to learn more about the environment and develop a respect for nature as they study the natural history of the area, the fossil record, the plant life or the rugged but surprisingly fragile landscape.

Anthropology students study human populations of the prehistoric past in places such as the American Southwest, the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. For the curious and open-minded, SMU Taos is an SMU satellite campus that specializes in cultivating educational opportunities that are enhanced by the cultural and natural resources of northern New Mexico.

A degree in anthropology provides a background for professional careers in teaching, research, international affairs, medicine, business or law.

Anthropology is the study of humanity in its broadest context. Anthropology encompasses four subdisciplines within its approach: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology and sociocultural anthropology. 

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