Dartmouth University

What you'll study

This programme introduces core areas of anthropology — cultural anthropology, social anthropology, biological/physical anthropology and archaeology — alongside sociological perspectives on institutions, inequality and social change. Teaching balances theory and methods: classes cover anthropological theory, ethnographic methods, qualitative and quantitative social research, statistics for social scientists, comparative cultural studies, human evolution and material culture.

• Core modules: introduction to cultural anthropology, sociological theory, research methods, ethnography and fieldwork techniques.
• Regional and topical courses: courses on kinship and family, religion and ritual, urban anthropology, political economy, migration, race and ethnicity, health and medical anthropology.
• Biological and archaeological strands: human osteology, primate behaviour, archaeological field methods and laboratory analysis.
• Skills development: qualitative interviewing, participant observation, survey design and analysis, GIS for social scientists, public communication of research.
• Capstone and research: an honours thesis or senior project is typically available, supported by faculty supervision and opportunities for independent fieldwork or archival research.

Entry requirements

Admissions expect successful completion of secondary education with strong performance across a broad curriculum. Typical applicants will demonstrate achievement in social sciences and humanities; background in biology or statistics is an advantage for the biological and methodological components but not mandatory.

• Academic qualifications: a recognised secondary-school diploma with high grades; institutional offers will reflect applicants' national qualifications.
• Standardised tests and English language: where relevant, evidence of proficiency in English is required for non-native speakers; some applicants may submit standardised test scores if part of their national admissions process.
• Personal statement and references: a clear statement of academic interests and at least one academic reference are typically required to demonstrate interest in anthropological and sociological inquiry.
• Research or field experience: optional but advantageous. Demonstrated interest through work, volunteer activities, or study abroad is valued.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with transferable skills in research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, critical thinking and cross-cultural communication, preparing them for a wide range of careers. Common paths include roles in public policy, international development, non-governmental organisations, public health, cultural heritage and museum work, education and community outreach.

• Research and analysis roles in think tanks, government agencies and market research firms.
• Programme and field positions with international development and humanitarian organisations.
• Public health and social services, including policy, advocacy and programme evaluation.
• Museum and heritage sectors, archaeology and cultural resource management.
• Further study: many graduates progress to master's and doctoral programmes in anthropology, sociology, public policy, law, medicine or related disciplines.

Why study at Dartmouth University

Dartmouth University offers a small-college environment within a research-intensive institution, emphasising close faculty-student interaction and undergraduate research. The programme benefits from access to specialised facilities and collections, dedicated labs for bioarchaeology and material analysis, and an active museum that supports teaching and student-curated projects.

• Faculty mentorship: small seminar sizes and opportunities for one-to-one supervision on fieldwork and theses.
• Research opportunities: funded summer research placements, laboratory experience and field projects that let undergraduates contribute to original research.
• Interdisciplinary links: easy collaboration with departments such as government, history, environmental studies and health sciences.
• Experiential learning: emphasis on ethnographic fieldwork, archaeological field schools and community-engaged projects.
• Global perspective: support for study-abroad and international research placements to develop comparative and cross-cultural competencies.