WLC student measuring skull in lab

Anthropology Major

Explore humanity as a student of anthropology. How did humans become who we are? What does modern society have in common with the communities our ancient relatives built? As an anthropology major at WLC, you’ll explore these fascinating questions and more.

Through your coursework you’ll learn to harness knowledge from the biological sciences including vertebrate zoology, botany, anatomy and physiology, immunology, and pathophysiology in order to specialize in one of three research tracks.

Archaeology

The archaeology track includes a comprehensive application of archaeological laboratory methods and field techniques, including excavation, artifact labeling and analysis, and transit survey and cartography. You'll be prepared for graduate school or a career in cultural resource management.

Biological Anthropology

The biological anthropology track prepares you for careers in forensic science, primatology, and bioarchaeology. In this track, you'll develop knowledge and skills in anatomy and physiology, forensic reconstruction and analysis, developmental biology, and analytic chemistry.

Cultural Anthropology

Our cultural anthropology track exposes you to a wide range of diverse social and cultural traditions and languages. You'll graduate prepared for careers in cultural consulting and counseling, cultural heritage management, world missions, international development, humanitarian relief, and public health.

Study anthropology in a rigorous, relevant, and respected program

The curriculum presented to anthropology majors follows the guidelines established by the American Anthropological Association (AAA). Lecture topics, laboratory exercises, and student research are structured to conform to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of AAA (1983) and the guidelines established by the constitution of the World Council of Anthropological Associations (WCAA, 2010), the Register of Professional Archaeology (RPA), and the Wisconsin Archaeological Survey (WAS).

Additionally, all research conducted as part of the study of anthropology at WLC follows the procedural guidelines of the National Science Board (NSB).

Engage in immersive learning and field research opportunities

Anthropology students benefit from undergraduate research opportunities alongside expert faculty. You'll engage in hands-on learning in the field. In the past, our students have created mock archaeological sites complete with stone tools, bone fragments, ceramics hards, and glass trade beads. They then map the site, identify and label artifacts, and develop hypotheses related to past human activity at the site. Students have also conducted archaeological research at Mount Hope Cemetery, produced flaked stone tools known as “flintknapping,” studied phosphorus levels in soil samples, and examined prehistoric crania samples from the Milwaukee Public Museum. Our anthropology majors have also interned in Milwaukee’s many museums and conducted research abroad.

You’ll graduate from our anthropology major with knowledge that extends far beyond textbooks, developing the skillsets necessary for success in graduate school or career.

Anthropology Advising Resources

Explore course offerings and major requirements

Explore course offerings and minor requirements

Connect with anthropology faculty

Ned Farley
Ned Farley Anthropology Associate Professor 414.443.8521 ned.farley@wlc.edu