Anthropology

About Us

Anthropology offers students the opportunity to broaden their exposure to peoples and cultures of the world, both now and in the past. Our students are well-prepared for graduate school and careers in fields such as cultural resource management, public health and community outreach.

Why Study Anthropology at Eastern?

Our staff and faculty are dedicated to academic excellence and student success.

Gain Cultural Understanding

Learn about peoples and cultures from all over the world and their beliefs, traditions, practices and values

Conduct Research

You'll have the opportunity to ask important questions, find the answers and share them with others.

Get Hands-On Learning

Get experience in our physical anthropology lab and our GIS and computer-mapping lab.

What You Will Study

  • The four anthropological subdisciplines: cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and physical anthropology
  • The history of anthropology
  • Anthropological theory
We'll help you develop the skills and understanding you need to succeed.

Careers in Anthropology

A degree in anthropology opens doors to a wide variety of careers.

Education

Community Development

Human & Social Services

Forensics

Historic Preservation

EWU Anthropological Society

The EWU Anthropological Society & Lambda Alpha National Collegiate Honors Society for Anthropology is open to students of EWU Anthropology as well as anyone interested in any field of Anthropological study—Cultural, Linguistic, Archaeological, or Biological—and to anyone interested in joining in a really fun “down to earth” group at EWU!

Anthropological Society logo

Club members meet every week for food, games, fundraisers, field trips, guest speakers, academic advising, career planning, study abroad opportunities, and all things anthropological. A few of our adventures have included:

  • Pacific Northwest Science Center
  • Indian Painted Rocks field-trip
  • Día de los Muertos cultural event
  • Bake sale & hot chocolate fundraiser
  • Ice skating and pizza
  • Food at area restaurants
  • Archaeological digs
  • Service to the community

Meeting times vary by quarter. Find current meeting times and contact us on Facebook.

Resources

  • American Anthropological Association
    The American Anthropological Association (AAA), the primary professional society of anthropologists in the United States since its founding in 1902, is the world’s largest professional organization of individuals interested in anthropology.
  • National Association for Student Anthropologists
    The National Association of Student Anthropologists (NASA), the student section of the American Anthropological Association, was founded in 1985 to address graduate and undergraduate student concerns and to promote the interests and involvement of students as anthropologists-in-training. NASA provides a network of students across the subfields of anthropology and directly addresses issues that are of interest to both undergraduate and graduate students, including finding jobs, attending graduate school, fieldwork programs, networking, and much more!
  • Society for Applied Anthropology
    The Society for Applied Anthropology aspires to promote the integration of anthropological perspectives and methods in solving human problems throughout the world; to advocate for fair and just public policy based upon sound research; to promote public recognition of anthropology as a profession; and to support the continuing professionalization of the field.
  • National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA)
    Founded in 1983, NAPA strives to promote the practice of anthropology, both within the discipline and among private and public organizations. NAPA continues to grow as anthropologists engaged in practice have developed broader professional opportunities both inside and outside the Academic realm.

  • Society for American Archaeology
    An international organization dedicated to the research, interpretation, and protection of the archaeological heritage of the Americas.
  • Archaeological Conservancy (AC)
    The AC is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to acquiring and preserving our nation’s remaining archaeological sites.
  • Society for Historical Archaeology
    Information regarding what constitutes historical archaeology, it’s major principles, and a doorway to student and professional networking.

  • American Association of Physical Anthropologists (AAPA)
    The AAPA is the world’s leading professional organization for physical anthropologists. Formed by 83 charter members in 1930, the AAPA now has an international membership of over 1,700. The Association’s annual meetings draw more than a thousand scientists and students from all over the world.
  • Jane Goodall Institute
    The Jane Goodall Institute advances the power of individuals to take informed and compassionate action to improve the environment for all living things including chimpanzees and other primates.
  • American Board of Forensic Sciences
    The American Board of Forensic Sciences is an organization that oversees the application of the knowledge of anthropology to legal issues. It provides many opportunities for student development and networking.

  • Cultural Survival
    Cultural Survival partners with indigenous peoples to secure their rights in international and national law, promote respect for their right to self-determination, ensure their right to full and effective participation in the political, economic, and social life of the country in which they live, and enjoy their rights to their lands, resources, languages, and cultures.
  • Society for Medical Anthropology
    This website serves the needs of students with interests in medical anthropology. It is the hub of an active research community and a storehouse for information supporting the endeavors of medical anthropologists and their colleagues in allied medicine and social science fields.
  • Society for Cultural Anthropology
    The Society for Cultural Anthropology (SCA), a section of the American Anthropological Association, was founded in 1983. The SCA promotes scholarship and scholarly communication about cultural studies and theory broadly conceived. SCA also aims to connect cultural anthropology with scholars in such other disciplines as history, literature, philosophy, and science studies.

  • Linguistic Society of America
    The Linguistic Society of America (LSA) was founded in 1924 to advance the scientific study of language. Linguistics has developed dramatically in the intervening years, greatly expanding the understanding of human language.
  • Society for Linguistic Anthropology
    This is a great place to explore the role of linguistics in anthropology. You can network and follow a student and professional blog.
  • Center for Applied Linguistics
    The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is a private, nonprofit organization working to improve communication through a better understanding of language and culture.
  • Terralingua
    Terralingua supports the integrated protection, maintenance, and restoration of the biocultural diversity of life—the world’s biological, cultural, and linguistic diversity—through an innovative program of research, education, policy, and on-the-ground action.