Anthropology includes four subfields: cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistics. Undergraduates may concentrate their studies in one of these four subfields or pursue a focus in an interdisciplinary track with another major or minor. The anthropology major has two different programs: the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. Coursework for the major will depend upon the program, both of which are flexible. Both degrees are earned in anthropology rather than in any one subfield.
Students who are uncertain of a program should contact the Department of Anthropology's undergraduate coordinator for information and curriculum planning.
B.A. in Anthropology
Provides a broad-based liberal arts education and prepares students to work in an increasingly complex world. B.A. majors learn about different groups of people, their prehistory, and their biological and cultural diversity through disciplines that combine social science, natural science, and the humanities. Many undergraduate anthropology majors go on to graduate school in the social sciences, while others use anthropology to prepare themselves for professional careers in other disciplines. In a world of increasing globalization and need for effective international relations and understanding, anthropology is a highly relevant liberal arts and sciences major for students interested in pursuing careers in business, education, government, health, and law.
B.S. in Anthropology
Provides a degree option that blends their interest in basic science with the holistic lens of anthropology. B.S. majors engage in anthropology through coursework, lab and field-based research, and outreach. A grounding in scientific-based research, community initiatives, and multicultural skillsets enables our students to address pressing needs in both local and global contexts. For example, students often participate in independent and collaborative initiatives on and off campus and receive pre-graduate training in life sciences, health-related disciplines, natural history, and/or archaeological science fields. A B.S. in anthropology will encourage students to develop STEM-based skill sets and enhance scientific inquiry to address salient anthropological issues. This degree inevitably draws upon multidisciplinary fields including anatomy, biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, genetics, geology, physics, mathematics, statistics, zoology, and botany.
Coursework for the Major
Both the B.A. and the B.S. require a minimum of 34 semester credits in anthropology and all coursework must be completed with minimum grades of C. A minimum of 18 credits of anthropology coursework must be completed at UF.
For the BS degree, all required anthropology, and required related coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Overseas Studies
Students concentrating in any subfield, particularly cultural anthropology and/or archaeology, are also encouraged to complete either an ethnographic study abroad program or an archaeological field school before their senior year.
Relevant Minors and/or Certificates
The department encourages students pursuing the B.A. to choose a minor or an interdisciplinary certificate option in African studies, Asian studies, environmental studies, Jewish studies, Latin American studies, linguistics or women's studies. Relevant courses in anthropology may be used to fulfill some requirements.