Explore the cultural, physical and prehistorical aspects of human beings in the Anthropology program and throughout the Archaeological and Bioarchaeological Field School at College of DuPage. The study of anthropology can help you gain a fuller understanding of human behavior and location so you can understand and interact effectively with other cultures.
Many students take anthropology courses as part of their program of study or take classes with an interest in anthropology to meet their general educational requirements.
Determine Your Path
Whether you're interested in learning more about understanding people, discovering research and evidence or cultural artifacts, students who major in anthropology have variety of career choices.
You want to attend a college that stands out from the rest. At COD, you'll discover:
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Instruction utilizing our state-of-the-art anthropology lab, equipment and resources.
- Affordable courses to help you achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining your savings account.
- Small class sizes to ensure you receive personalized attention.
Watch a video to learn more about anthropology.
Business Anthropology, Certificate
The Business Anthropology certificate is designed to increase the marketability of individuals interested in working in cross- cultural and international work environments by sharpening interpersonal and critical-thinking skill-sets as it relates to working in these environments. In addition, the Business Anthropology certificate will provide a competitive advantage for students seeking placement in a four-year college for applied anthropology. The four classes will cover a broad range of anthropological topics including methods, business anthropology, and cultural anthropology, with a focus on holism (understanding how various aspects of a society are integrated such as family, gender roles, economics, religion and politics), critical thinking and problem solving. The program emphasizes a practical, interdisciplinary, real world approach to anthropology with the purpose of attaining employment outside of academia. This certificate requires 14 credits in the courses listed below.
Anthropology Transfer Pathway, A.A.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
Anthropology Transfer Pathway, A.S.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.S. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.S. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
Every even-numbered year, the Archaeological and Bioarchaeological Field School provides students with five weeks of hands-on archaeological research experience. Contact Professor John Staeck at staeck@cod.edu for more information.
COD Stories
"My entire experience at COD helped to shape who I am as a person. I found a confidence in myself that would carry into earning a bachelor’s degree and continuing to a rewarding career in research. COD changed my life for the better, and it will change yours, too." - Sharon Grimm
Sharon's COD StoryCOD Stories
"I knew I wanted to work toward a career I was passionate about and enjoyed. I also wanted to continue to expand my education, so I thought the best thing for me to do was to attend my local community college. This would allow me to explore my interests while also saving money. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life." - Allen Garza
Allen's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in anthropology is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Students who complete courses in anthropology will:
- Understand the evolutionary origins of human biocultural adaptive systems, including language.
- Understand the past and present variation/diversity of human biocultural adaptive systems, including language.
- Understand the past and present functions of human biocultural adaptive systems, including language.
- Comprehend the dynamics of how human biocultural adaptive systems, including language, affect interactions between groups.
- Understand the application of knowledge of the foregoing to their own lives and societies.
Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the Anthropology program.
Anthropologists work in every segment of the world's businesses from traditional roles as teachers and researchers to serving as consultants for fortune 100 companies and national governments. A significant number of students have found their skills in demand in the fields of management, medicine and education.
