Anthropology
The Anthropology major seeks to provide a holistic understanding of the diversity of human behavior across time, geography and culture through a distinctly Christian worldview. There are two primary objectives of the program at Biola.
First, the program provides students with a solid foundation of the central theoretical concepts in the discipline while providing opportunities to concentrate in one of the sub-disciplines—socio-cultural, linguistic and physical anthropology and archaeology.
Second, the program provides students with the practical tools, through an emphasis on field research, to actively bridge cultural differences in order to effectively share the good news of the Gospel and holistically address human problems such as injustice and the effects of globalization on populations around the world.
What will I study?
The heart of the program is the four–field emphasis in Anthropology. Students will not only gain a firm academic foundation but also the tools necessary to be actively involved in using their anthropological skills to serve others. This program provides training for students planning to enter a variety of fields including research in the area of private and public agencies, social welfare, community and rural development, archaeology, refugee and immigrant assistance and further academic study. There are four concentrations within the Anthropology major. Students will take introductory courses in each of the sub-disciplines and are encouraged to concentrate in one of the four subdisciplines. Students may also consult with their advisor regarding unique concentrations based on career goals.
Emphases
- Applied Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Linguistic Anthropology
- Socio-Cultural Anthropology
Admissions Requirements
There are no special admission requirements for the Anthropology major.
After studying anthropology at Biola, I now have current industry contacts who have broadened my scope of the discipline. As a charter member of Biola's Anthropology Guild I traveled with my peers to Washington D.C. for the American Anthropological Association meetings, and my archaeology professor facilitated my current intern position at a local archaeology and paleontology lab. It has been a blessing to put into practice the theory I have learned in the classroom to real life situations, and I am confident the holistic education I've received will continue to help me impact my sphere of influence.
– Vanessa, Anthropology
Interesting classes I might take
- Introduction to Archaeology
- Social Organization
- Gender Roles in International Setting
- Magic, Witchcraft, and Sorcery
What can I do with a degree in Anthropology?
- Archaeologist
- Translator
- Ethnographic researcher
- Evangelist
- Anthropological researcher
Why choose Anthropology at Biola?
The core of the program is the four-field emphasis in anthropology. Students will not only gain a firm academic foundation but also the tools necessary to be actively involved in using their anthropological skills to service others. This program provides training for students planning to enter a variety of fields including research in the areas of private and public agencies, social welfare, community and rural development, archaeology, refugee and immigrant assistance for further academic study.
What are BU Anthropology graduates doing now?
Biola graduates from the Anthropology major have gone on to study at the following graduate schools: All UC Schools.
