Major Anthropology

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The spine of a large book titled 'Anthropology' being pulled from a row of library books

What You’ll Study in the Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology

Anthropology is a holistic and comparative approach to studying human life and experiences. Reed’s anthropology department focuses on two subfields within the discipline—linguistic and cultural—and emphasizes research and real-world experience. You can also choose to add a concentration in linguistic anthropology or science, environment, and technology studies. Develop a comprehensive understanding of human diversity and gain the analytical tools to critically examine and interpret the complexities of the human experience through the anthropology major at Reed.

Roadmap to the BA in Anthropology at Reed

Learn and apply conceptual frameworks and research techniques used by anthropologists. Your expert professors guide your courses with engaging readings, discussions, and writing assignments to help you explore different perspectives. Take advantage of the anthropology major’s interdisciplinary focus to study abroad, cross academic boundaries, and complete independent research.

Year One

Build an Intellectual Foundation

Preview the scope of anthropology through Topics in Contemporary Anthropology, a gateway course with several topic options that introduces you to the field.

In addition, start building your proficiency in a second language. Complete a major requirement while expanding your cross-cultural communication skills.

Finally, take Reed’s signature interdisciplinary course, Humanities 110, in which you explore the foundations of human thought and culture.

Explore Humanities 110

Why Study Anthropology at Reed College?

Choose an Anthropology Concentration

Anthropology is a highly interdisciplinary field that encompasses various perspectives and approaches to understanding human societies, cultures, and behavior. Along with our regular major, we also offer two concentrations so you can specialize your studies.

Focus on the politics and dynamics of language as social action with a concentration in linguistic anthropology. Along with your anthropology courses, take at least three classes in the linguistics department to increase your understanding of linguistic analysis. Your senior thesis will integrate your linguistic anthropology findings.

Analyze science and the environment through a social and cultural lens with a concentration in science, environment, and technology. Combine your anthropological learning with courses in our Division of Mathematical and Natural Sciences to write a unique senior thesis. You can study a combination of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, or statistics.

My Favorite Courses

Anthropology BA course catalog

Careers

Reed’s anthropology department equips graduates with the research skills and knowledge to enter graduate programs or pursue roles in many fields. Here’s a sampling of positions held by our alumni:

  • Associate attorney, Maune Raichle Hartley French & Mudd, LLC
  • Development and communications associate, Sefaria
  • Director of talent recruitment and mobility, Teach for America
  • Equity research manager, UCLA Institution of Transportation Studies
  • Head of content localization, Lezhin Entertainment
  • Proposal management specialist, Accenture
  • Senior investigative reporter, Bloomberg News
  • Staff archaeologist, Archaeological Services, LLC

Learn More About Career Paths and Possibilities

Achievements

Our anthropology majors and alumni have garnered recognition for their contributions to the academic community and beyond. Here is a selection of their notable achievements:

  • Emilie Kelly ‘25, President’s Summer Fellowship
  • Stevie Hoesel ‘22, Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
  • Alisa Chen ‘21, Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program and Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
  • Jolon Timms ‘18, Harold K. Schneider Student Prize in Economic Anthropology
  • Nicole Cohen ‘16, Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
  • Hoyoung “Jodie” Moon ‘14, Sylvia Forman Prize
  • Heather Marie Prentice-Walz ‘11, National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program
  • Christine Lewis ‘07, Portland Business Journal's 40 Under 40
A headshot of Anand Vaidya, associate professor of anthropology at Reed College

Learn from Distinguished Professors

Reed has one of the largest stand-alone anthropology departments among American liberal arts colleges. It offers a breadth of expertise that spans six continents, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse learning experience. Our professors actively engage in both research and teaching, bringing their expertise to the classroom and contributing to the global discourse in anthropology.

Get to Know Our Faculty

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