Anthropology (B.A.)
Anthropology is a comparative social science that seeks to understand human behavior within the context of different cultural systems, past and present. Anthropology also seeks to understand human biological evolution and adaptation and their interaction with social and cultural behavior. Anthropology brings a cross-cultural knowledge base and unique methodological and conceptual tools to bear on understanding the transformations, problems and interconnections of contemporary societies. The discipline is organized according to the sub-fields of cultural, biological, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology. The department also has an emphasis on applied anthropology. Wayne State’s department offers a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology, dual major options, and three minors in Anthropology, Archaeology, Global Health and Social Medicine. The following admission and degree requirements apply.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University.
Program Requirements
Candidates must complete 120 credits in course work including satisfaction of the University General Education Requirements and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Group Requirements, as well as the Departmental major requirements cited below. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the University and the College governing undergraduate scholarship and degrees.
Students majoring in anthropology are required to elect a minimum of thirty-four credits in anthropology, including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 1100 | Introduction to Anthropology | 3 |
| ANT 2110 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANT 3020 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| ANT 3030 | History of Anthropology | 3 |
| ANT 3310 | Language and Culture | 3 |
| ANT 3333 | Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANT 5210 | Anthropological Methods | 4 |
| ANT 5996 | Capstone Seminar in Anthropology | 3 |
| Anthropology electives | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
A minimum of fifteen credits must be taken in residence. The capstone course (ANT 5996) must be taken in residence. All ANT core courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. All ANT elective courses must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
Combined Degree
Students pursuing a degree at an approved school of dentistry, medicine, or law may obtain a combined degree with anthropology in accordance with the requirements set forth by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Anthropology Honors (B.A. Program)
This program is open to students pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a major in anthropology who maintain an overall cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 and a similar g.p.a. in anthropology courses. Honors majors must demonstrate the ability to do original work by writing an honors thesis during their senior year. The anthropology honors program leads to a degree designation ‘with Honors in Anthropology’. Students in the Honors Program must satisfy the following requirements:
- All requirements for a major in anthropology;
- Overall g.p.a. of 3.3 or above;
- Anthropology g.p.a. of 3.3 or above;
- A minimum of three thesis credits in anthropology (ANT 4999);
- An approved honors thesis;
- One 42XX honors seminar (HON 4200-HON 4280) offered by the Honors College.
- A total of twelve honors-designated credits including an approved Honors Thesis ANT 4999, the 42XX Honors Program seminar, and two three-credit ANT courses with an honors designation. Honors courses offered by other departments may be considered as a substitute in consultation with the Academic Advisor.
AGRADE Program (Accelerated Graduate Enrollment)
This program enables qualified seniors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to enroll simultaneously in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the College. Students may apply for the AGRADE Program during the term in which they will complete ninety credits; to qualify, students must have cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. For more details about the AGRADE Program, contact the Academic Advisor in the Anthropology Department.