Anthropology

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What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of difference. It teaches us about what it means to be human from cross-cultural points of view.

Broaden your perspective and rethink what is familiar abroad and strange at home. Learn to understand diverse ways of thinking and interacting. Explore varied modes of living across geographical space and historical deep time. Embrace your global citizenship from around the corner to around the globe, and from the past to the present for the future.

The goal of anthropology is to advance our collective understanding of the human condition through anthropological research and to apply this understanding to solve human problems.

Career Options

Cultural development & resources management
Diversity officer
Education
Forensics
Government & policy
Language
Law
Health & medicine
International diplomacy
Media & communication
Museum work
Nonprofit work
Science & technology
Social justice

Post-Graduation Success¹

80% employed or continuing education

30% employed after graduation

50% attending graduate school

$66,750 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Battelle (1), Binny's (1), Illinois State Archaeological Survey (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Loyola University Chicago, Marquette University View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

88% first-year retention rate

90% four-year graduation rate

90% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $13,252
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $37,992

Non-Resident

Tuition: $35,928
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $61,008

International

Tuition: $38,576
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $63,656

Related Majors

Art and Art History - FAA

History - LAS

Psychology - LAS

Sociology - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.