What is Anthropology? Anthropologists ask the central question, “What does it mean to be human?”

Anthropology is a 4-field discipline that engages in the study of:

• Living cultures and their social relationships (cultural anthropology)
• The comparative study of human variation and evolution (biological anthropology)
• The material remains of past cultures (archaeology)
• Human languages (linguistics) 

Students graduating with a major in Anthropology will be able to:

• Analyze how historical, social, environmental and biological forces shape cultures.
• Use the definitions, methods, and theories of biological anthropology to define what it means to be human.
• Articulate the role that archaeology plays in reconstructing past cultural systems.
• Engage anthropology's methods and theories with contemporary social issues.

Anthropology at Marquette

Our faculty have researched diverse topics such as 10,000 year old farming communities in Jordan, forensic nursing clinics in Baltimore, bones excavated from a turn-of-the-century pauper’s cemetery in Milwaukee, and dispute resolution and mediation in Africa. In addition, a number of our courses incorporate hands-on experience through lab classes, service learning opportunities, and fieldwork. Students can also seek internship placements in anthropology through our department program.

Additional Information