Why study anthropology at Washburn?

Anthropology offers you a unique lens to explore what it means to be human. Through engaging coursework, hands-on learning opportunities, and dedicated faculty, you'll gain the skills to critically analyze culture, society and history while applying that knowledge to contemporary challenges.

Our program emphasizes community-engaged learning, allowing you to work on meaningful projects in partnership with local organizations. Whether you're interested in archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology or linguistic anthropology, you'll graduate with real-world experience and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. Start your journey here and become equipped to make an impact—locally and globally.

Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $51,850on campus
A skull rests on the table as a student takes notes in class

What is anthropology?

Anthropologists try to answer the fundamental question "What makes us human?" through a global and holistic approach. American anthropology includes four subfields:

  • Archaeology - the study of human past
  • Biological Anthropology - the study of human evolution and variation
  • Cultural Anthropology - the study of human cultures
  • Linguistic Anthropology - the study of human languages

Washburn's Forensic Anthropology concentration uses what we know about human biology, past cultures and archaeology to help answer questions for medical and legal matters.
Anthropology students discuss their work during a poster presentation.

What sets anthropology at Washburn apart?

  • Hands-on and community-engaged learning: Our program emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities where anthropology students can apply their knowledge in real-world contexts fostering skills that extend beyond the classroom. Explore our course offerings!
  • Interdisciplinary approach: Our program integrates anthropology with other disciplines such as geography, community studies and museum studies, providing a broad understanding of the fields' applications.
  • Small class sizes and faculty interaction: Students benefit from personalized instruction and close mentorship from faculty fostering deeper engagement with the material and their professional development.
  • Local and global perspectives: Our program balances local opportunities with global perspectives, encouraging students to consider anthropological issues on a broad scale.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: To apply for the SOAN Department Scholarship, students complete a short application form sent out annually by the SOAN department chair during the spring semester.
  • Find your people on campus with the Sociology/Anthropology Club or get involved with established community partners.

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Admissions scholarships

Washburn University offers generous scholarships based on your interests, career aspirations, community service and academic success.

Department scholarships

The Sociology and Anthropology Department may award scholarships to students actively pursuing a sociology or anthropology degree.

Requirements:

  • Be a declared major in sociology or anthropology
  • Have an overall and program GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Fill out the scholarship application
To apply for the SOAN Department Scholarship, students complete a short application form sent out annually by the SOAN department chair during the spring semester.

Tuition and fees

Courses in this program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate rate.

Financial aid

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Tuition waivers

If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.

Fill out the Undergraduate Admissions Application and enroll to pursue anthropology. It's common to declare a major in anthropology at enrollment and then determine your specific interest.

After your preliminary course work, you’ll be able to participate in field school, directed research, and an internship. Connect with your advisor and attend club events to make sure you find out about opportunities coming up!

Washburn Career Engagement provides several career fairs and career-readiness workshops, including resume editing and mock-interview practice.

Among graduates in the last five years, 26 percent have continued directly to graduate school in areas such as Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Library Information Science, Organizational Leadership, and Museum Studies.

Meet alumna Sabrina Jones

“I do all the artifact processing (washing, identification/analysis, curation prep, data entry, etc.) for all phase I-III archaeological surveys conducted by the company for Section 106 (of the National Historic Preservation Act) and other compliance related requirements. We do a ton of work with the NPS (National Park Service) and the Department of Defense, as well as lots of smaller entities across the country. I literally use what I learned at Washburn every single day in my job!”

- Sabrina Jones, ba anthropology, research analyst/lab technician at a Kansas City engineering firm

Set for success

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook

Qualities for success

Curious

Interested in diversity and cultures

Interdisciplinary

Open to new experiences and cultures

Student/faculty ratio

20:1

Specialized experiences

Kansas State Historical Society partnership

Archeological Field School

Cultural Anthropology is happening now – real-world opportunities

Study Abroad experiences led by faculty

 

SOAN club

Meet other majors and students interested in anthropology
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Become an Ichabod!
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WTE program

The Washburn Transformational Experience program helps you follow your dreams with experiences outside of the classroom
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GET IN TOUCH WITH Department of Sociology & Anthropology

Sociology & Anthropology Department
West Hall, Room 100
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621

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