Anthropology is all about putting aside assumptions and asking questions—and the answers will lead you to a greater understanding of the world around you.
Founded in 1937, Wheaton’s anthropology program was one of the first of its kind among national liberal arts colleges.
More than 90% of anthropology students spend a least one semester living in another country.
Three-quarters of the most recent graduating class pursued at least one internship.
You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.
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Studying anthropology provides an incredible foundation for anyone called to work with diverse groups of people, whether in business, education, nonprofits, or the church. An anthropology major’s focus on research and reasoning builds 21st-century career skills.
Through rigorous academics and enriching real-world experiences, you’ll explore human societies and culture through a Christian lens.
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Learn from faculty members with a wide range of research interests, including medical anthropology, the anthropology of global Christianity, U.S. farming systems, short-term missions, economics, and work. Faculty have done research in Southeast Asia, South Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean.
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The Anthropology, Sociology, and Urban Studies Department itself becomes a second home for students. We have a long-standing tradition of spending time together: end-of-year ice cream social, movie nights, chapel, and more. Our students have a real connection with the department.
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Get involved and gain experience through campus organizations, internships, research projects, and field trips to cultural sites in Chicagoland and around the country.
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Engage With Ancient and Modern Narratives!
Students reside and study at Jerusalem University College in Jerusalem, the cradle of ancient civilizations and one of the most vibrant cultural and religious communities in the world. Jerusalem has played a major role in world events for centuries—it is a city of religious and political significance. The JUC campus is nestled atop Mount Zion next to the Old City. In addition to classroom work at JUC, the program includes field studies to historical, cultural, religious, and political sites throughout Israel and (travel permitting) the West Bank territories and into Jordan.
Interdisciplinary learning is a way of life at Wheaton. Aside from your work within your chosen major, you can enrich your educational experience and connect with peers and professors across campus (and beyond) in many ways.
Students interested in cultural anthropology can also choose from a number of other study abroad and domestic travel experiences offered by Wheaton and partner programs, such as:
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A Wheaton education is built on the foundation of our unique Christ at the Core general education curriculum. Anthropology students then develop a biblical foundation for understanding social interaction both within American society and across cultures.
Learn More About Christ at the CoreThe breadth of anthropology coupled with Wheaton’s strong liberal arts foundation prepares our graduates for meaningful careers in various industries, as well as for graduate programs in the social sciences, business, law, theology, and related areas.
They use their cultural anthropology background in positions like:
They continue their education at schools such as:
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– Elise Colon ’22“If you would’ve told me freshman year that I would be doing this fellowship, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’m just so thrilled.”
In her junior year, Elise Colón was awarded the prestigious Mellon Undergraduate Curatorial Fellowship at the Art Institute of Chicago. She’s just one of four students selected for this two-year program, which also includes funding support and a 10-week summer internship at a partner museum.
Colón, from Waco, Texas, majored in anthropology and Spanish, with a minor in studio art.
If you’re a current student or want to dig deeper in this area of study, here are some additional resources for you to explore.
The anthropology major is housed in the Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Urban Studies. Visit our department website.
Visit the Wheaton College catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.
Interested in studying anthropology at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.