The Department of Anthropology offers a unique journey into the study of human nature
by examining human history, identity and health with a particular focus on social
justice and inequalities.
What makes us great
Interdisciplinary research
Students take courses and conduct research across the fields of:
Pre-Columbian and historic archaeology
Biological/biocultural anthropology
Cultural anthropology
Linguistic anthropology
Additionally, students may participate in beyond the classroom opportunities for fieldwork and study abroad.
Diverse degree options
Just as anthropology covers a range of human diversity, our department offers a range
of options to major, minor or to pursue a certificate or cognate program. No matter
which of our inclusive degree options students choose, they gain critical thinking
and communication skills that will promote success in any career.
Exceptional faculty
We strive to exemplify diversity in our research, curriculum and faculty representation.
The intersectional nature of our field ensures that students will work with a broad
range of excellent faculty members across departments, fields and schools, including
many who have received the Mungo Teaching Award for excellence in instruction.
Academics, Research and Service
Jordan Davis (‘22) joined the master’s program in anthropology after learning about
the department’s emphasis on mastering skills across the four disciplinary subfields,
and stayed because of the support he received to pursue his passions outside of academics.
Encouraged by his mentors in the department, he joined the Society of Black Archaeologists
as a student advocate researching the African Diaspora.
“I was really encouraged by my team to pursue service. It’s not always common to have
support for extra curriculars as a grad student, but I was really supported in that
aspect here.”
The University of South Carolina is among the top universities in the nation for Anthropology
research and development. Forbes ranked our department top 3 for investing in our faculty’s dynamic research, fieldwork and scholarship
which allows us to dig deeper into the cultural, linguistic and biological implications
of human history.
