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.
As an anthropology student, you’ll have the opportunity to explore different areas, including:
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.
Want to study primate behavior in Costa Rica? Excavate a Roman fortress? Explore a mock crime scene? See the inner workings of a science museum? Search for prehistoric stone tools in Alaska? Help refugees start a new life here in Buffalo? These are just a few of the opportunities anthropology students have had during their time at UB.
You probably aren’t going into anthropology to sit in a classroom all day, which is why we work with organizations and institutions around the world to find ways for you to get practical experience, including:
And if you're interested in research, the Marian E. White Anthropology Research Museum and Anthropology Library will probably be one of your favorite spots on campus.
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:
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.
Be prepared to teach grades 5-12 by getting your bachelor's and master's in just five years through our UB Teach program.
Visit the department website (at the top of this page) for more details, or see the UB Teach website for a list of all available majors.
As you dive deeper and deeper into the field of anthropology, you'll want to learn from expert faculty who truly care about you and your success during your time at UB and for the rest of your career. At UB, our professors are highly accomplished scholars in a variety of topics related to cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology, historically specializing in everything from climate change and colonialism to gender and religion.
Because we’re a relatively small department within a major research university, UB attracts world-class teachers who truly enjoy their work and love to engage with students. Want proof? Our faculty has included a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor (who also received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching), as well as a professor recognized for teaching excellence by UB's Student Association.