It assumes that generalizing about human life takes an integrated study of human biology and culture, past and present, and simple and complex lifeways. Anthropology is comprised of four sub-fields. Cultural anthropology describes and explains variation in human cultural and social types. Physical anthropology explains the physical nature and development of humankind.
Archaeology considers past human life and how societies grow, change and become extinct.
Linguistics examines human communication processes. The Anthropology major at the University provides students with a broad social and behavioral science background and prepares the student for a range of careers, from public service to marketing and international management. The department also offers concentrations in cultural anthropology, archaeology, practicing anthropology and biological anthropology. These programs give the student a holistic and cross-cultural perspective to complement most majors. The Anthropology Department has a number of special programs and resources.