Department of Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humans. It is a broad and unique field that examines humankind scientifically and humanistically. Anthropology looks at the human experience from a holistic, cross-cultural perspective.

UNCW offers an undergraduate degree in anthropology that trains students in each of the three major subfields: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology.

Our faculty is comprised of accomplished scholar/educators in each of these areas. Their research expertise comes from fieldwork projects carried out in a variety of geographic and cultural settings.

Courses & Clubs

Our curriculum includes a wide range of coursework at all levels, varying from human evolution to the collapse of ancient civilizations to contemporary social issues. It includes such courses as Culture & Gender, Archaeology of the Americas, Human Origins, Medical Anthropology, Historical Archaeology, Human Biological Variation, Forensic Anthropology, and Environmental Anthropology.

Experiential learning opportunities include archaeological field schools, lab courses in archaeology and osteology, and a practical internship program placing students at most of the museums in the Wilmington area. Advanced students can assist faculty members in original research.

Our department also hosts an Anthropology Club and a chapter in Lambda Alpha Honors Society. We nurture an active community of student scholars who share a love of all things anthropology.

Academic Programs Explore humanity from cultural and scientific perspectives, observing physical characteristics and relics from the past to understand what made us who we are. See Our Programs

Michaela Howells, an associate professor for Anthropology, speaking at an event

About Get to know the Department of Anthropology. Meet our faculty and see news and events featuring our department. Learn More

Study Abroad Opportunities

Visit the Office of International Programs for more information about studying anthropology abroad.

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Immerse Yourself in Anthropology

Our Anthropology field schools provide a unique experience on digs in the Cape Fear region and Belize. Or apply for internships that place you in a historic site, nonprofit or local government entity.

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Explore the Department

About Us Get to know the Department of Anthropology. Meet Us

Academic Programs Explore our undergraduate degree programs and minors. Learn More

Alumni Welcome back to the department! Browse resources for alumni. Stay Connected

Honor Society Find out what it takes to graduate from our programs with honors. View Criteria

CHSSA Research and Innovation

Explore the broad range of research and scholarly activities taking place at UNCW's College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts.

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Honor Society

Your UNCW education extends outside the classroom. We offer opportunities for you to go beyond the standard curriculum by becoming part of the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society.

In addition to having the support of faculty and fellow students, you will be able to publish your undergraduate research in the Lambda Alpha Journal. The benefits of joining Lambda Alpha will enhance your resume as you seek employment or apply for graduate programs.

Join Lambda Alpha

Keep up with the successes of our alumni and check out opportunities to support new generations of Seahawks.

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