Anthropology
People-watchers, unite! If you love studying human behavior—past and present—then welcome to anthropology. UB's anthropology program is the only major that's focused on humankind as a whole. It's truly one of the best ways to gain a thorough understanding of human diversity as you study people through a historical, global lens and see how we adapt over time and space. If you're interested in any discipline such as social science, natural science (like biology and anatomy) and history but want more, then keep reading.
What will I learn?
As an anthropology student, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different areas, including:
- Archaeology, studying the past through physical objects.
- Biological anthropology, our origins and evolution.
- Cultural anthropology, how we share behaviors, beliefs and more throughout society.
From music and myths to health care and the environment, you’ll choose from interdisciplinary courses that cover a range of human experiences. Some of UB’s most well-known strengths include medical anthropology, comparative anatomy, the study of migration, and European cultural anthropology, as well as both New and Old World Archaeology.
What can I do with an anthropology degree?
Anthropology teaches you some of the most in-demand skills, including how to understand (and bridge) differences among cultures, be a strong communicator and thrive in ever-changing environments.
UB anthropology graduates have applied their talents in many different types of jobs, including:
- Art consultant.
- Attorney.
- Business owner.
- Epidemiologist.
- Forensic pathologist.
- High school teacher.
- Immigration officer.
- Library director.
- Migration/resettlement specialist.
- Museum curator.
- National Parks Service.
- Non-profit executive director.
- Paralegal.
- Physician.
- Social worker.
- University professor.
- Wildlife program coordinator.
- Youth program director.
If you want to be a professional anthropologist (most likely at a university, college, museum or in government), then a UB degree is the perfect foundation for graduate school.
Want to be a teacher?
Be prepared to teach grades 5-12 by getting your bachelor's and master's in just five years through our UB Teach program.
- Save time and money.
- No need to apply to graduate school.
- Be eligible for New York State professional teaching certification.
Visit the department website (at the top of this page) for more details, or see the for a list of all available majors.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other | $47,950.00 | $23.05 | Rapid Growth, Many Openings |
| Anthropologists and Archeologists | $97,350.00 | $46.80 | Rapid Growth |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary | $143,110.00 | $68.80 |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.