About Anthropology

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”  - Margaret Mead

American cultural anthropologist (1901 - 1978)

Judy Pine smiles under a pink umbrella with a friend, in a field of wide leafed plants.

Western Washington University’s Department of Anthropology is dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the four sub-fields of anthropology (Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Biocultural Anthropology, and Linguistic Anthropology).

The Anthropology major is a liberal arts degree with a broad base of information and understanding about human behavior. This unique, critical perspective provides a framework for understanding the many sub-cultural differences we meet every day. The Anthropology major can open many doors of opportunity and provide valuable training to successfully deal with the future.

Our department offers four undergraduate degrees: Anthropology BA (with an optional concentration in Archaeology or Biocultural Anthropology), a combined Anthropology/Education BAE, and a combined Anthropology/Biology BA or BS. We also offer an Anthropology minor and an MA in Anthropology. For information on the Master of Arts degree, please visit the Graduate School.

Our program, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, reflects a strong commitment to a cross-cultural, comparative perspective.

Mike Eitner hoists a bag over in head while hiking a green field of tall grasses

Students in each of our degree programs have the opportunity to work with and take courses from faculty members who are nationally and internationally recognized teachers.

Our faculty members carry out their research in Latin America, North America, Asia, The Pacific and Eastern Europe and are dedicated to excellence in teaching. Our Faculty have earned awards for distinguished contributions to undergraduate education and research, written nationally disseminated textbooks and developed curriculum designed to provide extensive opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences working with clients in community social-services agencies, internships, service learning and through participatory research.

Questions about the Department?

Please feel free to contact us for further information.