Anthropology Minor

Anthropology equips learners with skills and theories that explain what makes us human culturally and biologically across time and space. Anthropology also encourages a global perspective on the human condition that educates about how and why human societies and culture change, similarities and differences between humans and other species and beings, and how our communities, including those of New Hampshire, are connected to the wider globalized world. Further, anthropology fosters a deep view of human adaptation and behavior, from our evolutionary and historic past to the present, demonstrating our past pitfalls and successes as means to create a sustainable future world.  

Students declaring a minor in anthropology are invited to take a range of introductory to advanced courses involving hands-on and experiential learning in our main areas of focus: cultural and medical anthropology, biological and forensic anthropology, and archaeology. Advanced courses provide opportunities for students to pursue intensive studies and technical training in focused methods and topics, and we pride ourselves on close faculty-student contact in lab and seminar courses. Students who declare a minor find it complementary to a variety of programs across UNH’s colleges, including biological sciences and health-related fields, psychology, communication, business, international affairs, history, and more. 

Anthropology minors develop foundational skills in critical and creative thinking driven by curiosity, research design and analysis, and multicultural competency. Students may also develop transferable skills that reflect their focus in our diverse discipline and can include: intercultural communication; user experience and design, market research, and patient-oriented services based in ethnography; and lab- and field-based forensic and archaeological research involving excavation, recovery and use of drone, surveying, and modelling technologies.  

Anthropology offers a strong foundation for a wide range of careers. Our alumni find successful careers in a range of areas, including: public policy and local government, forensic investigation and identification, clinical and public health practice, business, public relations and marketing, K-12 and adult education, social work, research-driven advocacy, community development, cultural resource management and museum work, consulting, and more.