Unearth the Past, Understand the Present.
Located in historic St. Mary’s City, the anthropology major at St. Mary’s College gives students the chance to do hands-on fieldwork right nearby. Students take part in real archaeological digs in the local area, collaborate with community partners on cultural projects, and have the chance to study abroad in other parts of the world! They work closely with their professors on special research projects, with the option to choose a concentration in archaeology.
95%
TOP 6
Best Undergraduate program in anthropology in the United States according to Schools.com
10:1
SMCM's student-to-faculty ratio supports students through their time on campus and beyond
Anthropology Major
The anthropology major at St. Mary’s College of Maryland helps students understand people and cultures from both the past and present. Students learn through four main areas: cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology and language studies. They explore how people live, think and interact across different times and places.
Classes focus on hands-on learning, careful thinking and making good choices. Students gain skills by doing things like archaeological digs, interviews, lab work and studying real-life examples from around the world. With small classes and helpful professors, students are encouraged to ask their own questions and make connections to other subjects like the environment, museums, world issues and public health.
At St. Mary’s College anthropology is more than just a subject—it’s a way to understand the world and make a difference in it.
Archaeology Concentration
For students interested in pursuing a career in archaeology, historic preservation, or cultural conservation, the Anthropology Department offers an Archaeology Concentration within the major. The Archaeology Concentration is designed to provide students with hands-on field and lab experiences in archaeology as well as academic coursework. Students can work on projects with the Rappahannock Tribe, Historic St. Mary's City, and regional projects. The archaeology concentration integrates academic study with applied research, including opportunities for internships and individualized research projects with faculty.
Anthropology Minor
The anthropology minor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland helps students learn about human life by looking at culture, history, biology and language. It works well with majors like environmental studies, history, psychology, world languages or museum studies, and gives students a strong base for understanding people around the world.
Students get hands-on experience by studying artifacts, learning about different cultures and exploring how people think, act and live. They build useful skills like critical thinking, research and understanding different points of view. With chances to do fieldwork, use research labs and work with other subjects, the anthropology minor helps students better understand the world—and their role in it.
Courses Offered
Anthropology Courses
- Anthropology Courses>
Honors College Promise
At St. Mary’s College of Maryland—the National Public Honors College—anthropology students are encouraged to explore all parts of human life with curiosity and purpose. The program is based in the liberal arts and helps students learn about cultures from both the past and present, while thinking deeply about identity, society and change.
With hands-on fieldwork, research projects and support from caring professors, students learn to think clearly, understand different points of view and face real-world problems with respect and understanding. Whether digging into history through archaeology or studying today’s social issues, anthropology majors graduate ready to make a difference in a fast-changing world.
"My degree has allowed me to be a better member of society; living with empathy and spreading a passion for bridging gaps between people from varying backgrounds."
- anthropology graduate
Visiting Speakers
At St. Mary’s College of Maryland, anthropology students do more than study from books—they meet real experts. Our Visiting Speakers Series brings in top anthropologists from around the world. These guests share their stories, research and ideas with students. It’s a great way to learn about different cultures, ask questions and see how anthropology is used in the real world.
After you Graduate
Graduates of the anthropology program at St. Mary’s College of Maryland are ready for many different careers where understanding people, thinking carefully and doing research are important. Some go on to study more in fields like anthropology, archaeology, public health, museum work or international development. Others find jobs in teaching, nonprofits, environmental work or with the government.
Because they get hands-on experience, learn from different subjects and focus on people, SMCM anthropology graduates know how to work with all kinds of communities. Whether they’re helping with global problems, protecting history or creating fairer futures, they are ready to make a difference. A degree in anthropology from St. Mary’s College helps open the door to careers that need curiosity, kindness and a deep understanding of the world.
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