Anthropologists attempt to describe specific cultural traditions, forms of social structures, languages, and specific transitions in human evolution and cultural history. They compare cultures and societies to assess what cultures are similar or different and why.
Anthropology is at once a biological science, a social science, and one of the humanities.
Anthropology's breadth and its emphasis on biological and cultural change and cross-cultural comparison make it an ideal major for anyone seeking a solid liberal education as well as for those seeking careers in academic or applied anthropology or archaeology. It serves as an excellent background for students who plan to pursue specialized training in law, medicine, nursing, social work, education, conservation, international relations, or commerce. The world is an ever-smaller and more culturally mixed global community. Knowledge of the developmental processes that explain biological and cultural differences is relevant to a variety of careers. Two field schools, in archaeology and in cultural anthropology, provide practical proving grounds for classroom theorizing.