Stanford University

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology: Ecology, Environment, and Evolution at Stanford University offers an in-depth exploration of how human societies adapt to their ever-changing environments. This program integrates the study of ecological and evolutionary processes with cultural dynamics, social inequality, and human diversity. Through a research-driven curriculum, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships between people and their environments.

What you'll study

The program is structured to progressively build knowledge, starting from fundamental concepts and methodologies to more specialized studies and independent research. Students will engage in both required and elective courses that vary by academic year.

Typical course themes

• Theory of Culture and Society
• Methods and Evidence in Anthropology
• Human Ecology: Adaptations to Climate and Climate Change
• Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Problem-Solving
• Research Methods in Ecological Anthropology
• The Ecology of Cuisine: Food, Nutrition, and the Evolution of the Human Diet

Research and capstone-style learning

Students will enhance their research skills through comprehensive methods training and increasingly independent work. Depending on their academic trajectory, this may involve a senior research project, an honours thesis pathway, or a significant research paper developed in collaboration with faculty members.

Electives and interdisciplinary options

Students have the opportunity to enrich their anthropology studies with electives from related fields such as environmental studies, biology, public health, archaeology, or sociology, fostering an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human-environment interactions.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate program at Stanford is based on a holistic evaluation process, without a specific minimum GPA or standardized test score requirement. Applicants are encouraged to present a well-rounded profile that highlights their academic achievements and personal qualities.

Career prospects