Minor in Anthropology

The study of anthropology seeks to understand how humans think and behave to better help us comprehend the human experience.

About This Program

Students will study evolution and human development — physically and socially, until the beginning of civilization — through the four major sub-fields of Anthropology:

  • Biological Anthropology: Studies human beings as a species and how we are similar and different to our living correlates and as well as our extinct human relatives. 
  • Archaeological Anthropology (Archaeology): Examines material culture and what it says about the human experience.
  • Linguistic Anthropology: Studies both the structural and social implications of language for the human species and cultural.
  • Cultural Anthropology: Seeks to understand the human experience through the lens of human culture. It is the system of practices and institutions of governments directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, or sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts.

 Person excavating ancient human remains with digging tool kit set at archaeological site, studying anthropology.

The Minor in Anthropology requires 18 semester hours to complete.


Sociology coursework may satisfy six (6) credit hours of the minor curriculum.

ANT 2000 Introduction to Anthropology, is prerequisite for all electives in anthropology.

NOTE: Students who use ANT 2000 Introduction to Anthropology to satisfy their general education requirements cannot use this course to satisfy their requirements for their minor in Anthropology 

A grade below a "C" will not be accepted for credit toward the minor.


Why Minor in Anthropology?

By partaking in a minor degree program, you are going above and beyond the bare minimum. When you're searching for jobs after graduation, that extra effort can impress potential employers. Having a minor in an area relevant to them is an added bonus.


Interest in Understanding Human Behavior:
Anthropology offers insights into human behavior, culture, and societies across time and space. If you're intrigued by the complexities of human societies and want to understand why people do what they do, anthropology provides a rich framework for exploration.


Complementary to Other Disciplines: Anthropology intersects with various other disciplines such as sociology, psychology, biology, history, and even business and economics. A minor in anthropology can complement majors in these fields by providing a different perspective on human behavior and cultural dynamics.

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: Anthropology encourages critical thinking, observation, and analysis. By studying different cultures and societies, students develop skills in observing, interpreting, and understanding diverse perspectives, which can be valuable in a wide range of careers.

Career Opportunities: While some may pursue anthropology out of pure intellectual curiosity, others may see it as a pathway to various careers. Anthropology minors can find opportunities in fields such as international relations, community development, public health, education, cultural heritage management, museum curation, and more.

 

 

Example career paths with a 'Anthropology' minor include combining it with a major in...

 

 


 

 

 

Hands cradling a small globe surrounded by colorful paper cut out people, illustrating unity and interconnectedness worldwide. Blue illustration of a brain with various neural connections, symbolizing the complexity of psychology.

 

 

 

Sociology: With a major in sociology and a minor in anthropology, you could pursue careers in social research, community development, social work, or human services. You might work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutes, studying social phenomena and contributing to solutions for social issues.

Psychology: A major in psychology combined with a minor in anthropology could lead to careers in cross-cultural psychology, applied anthropology, or counseling. You might work in fields such as mental health services, international development, or refugee resettlement, focusing on understanding and addressing the psychological needs of diverse populations.


 

 

 

A man in a lab coat examines a plant specimen in a research facility

A smiling black male, dressed in professional attaire, stands outside a building and holding an open notebook


 

 

 

Biology/Environmental Science: Pairing anthropology with a major in biology or environmental science could lead to careers in environmental anthropology, conservation, or public health. You might work for environmental organizations, government agencies, or research institutions, studying the relationships between humans, ecosystems, and biodiversity, and addressing environmental and public health challenges.

International Relations/Political Science: Pairing anthropology with a major in international relations or political science could lead to careers in diplomacy, humanitarian aid, or international development. You might work for government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or international organizations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, conflict, and human rights by understanding and engaging with diverse cultures and societies.

 

Minor in 'Anthropology' Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)

 

Q: What career opportunities are available with an anthropology minor?
A: An anthropology minor can open up various career opportunities across different industries including but not limited to: social services, education, cultural resource management, international development, and public health.

Q: Can I use sociology courses to satisfy the requirements of the anthropology minor?
A: Yes, up to 6 hours (2 courses) of upper-division sociology courses can be used to satisfy the requirements of the anthropology minor.

Q: Is minoring in anthropology worth it if I don't plan to pursue a career directly related to the field?
A: Yes, minoring in anthropology can still be valuable even if you don't plan to pursue a career directly related to the field. The skills and perspectives you gain from studying anthropology are transferable and can enhance your understanding of human behavior and cultural dynamics in various personal and professional contexts.

Anthropology Minor Requirements

 

Minors in anthropology are required to complete a total 18 credit hours [12 hours must be satisfied at the upper-division level].  Sociology coursework, 3000 level or above, may satisfy six (6) credit hours of the minor curriculum. The following course may not be used to satisfy the minor: SYA 4942 Internship.

NOTE: Students who use ANT 2000 Introduction to Anthropology  and/or SYG 2000 Introduction to Sociology to satisfy their general education requirements cannot use these courses as part of satisfying their requirements for their minor in Anthropology or Sociology.

 

  • ANT 2000 Introduction to Anthropology (3) required
  • ANT 2511 Emergence of Man (3) required
  • ANT 3212 Peoples of the World
  • ANT 3241 Magic, Witchcraft and Religion
  • ANT 3340 Caribbean Cultural Patterns
  • ANT 3422 Family and Kinship:  Cross Cultural Perspectives
  • ANT 3351 South African Ethnography
  • ANT 3352 Peoples and Cultures of Africa
  • ANT 3702 International Development
  • ANT 3711 Cross Cultural Conflict Resolution
  • ANT 4905 Directed Individual Study
  • ANT 4930 Special Topics

 

  • SYA 3931 Honors Seminar I
  • SYA 3932 Honors Seminar II
  • SYA 4101 Social Behavior
  • SYA 4654 Program Evaluation
  • SYA 4905 Directed Individual Study
  • SYD 3410 Urban Sociology
  • SYD 3600 Community Structure and Analysis
  • SYD 3700 Intergroup Relations in America
  • SYD 3770 Race and Culture
  • SYD 4020 Population Problems
  • SYD 4603 Strategies of Community Development
  • SYD 4730 Sociology of the Black Experience
  • SYO 3102 Family in America
  • SYO 3110 Men, Women and Social Change
  • SYO 3400 Medical Sociology
  • SYO 3440 Rural Sociology
  • SYO 3460 Sociology of Mass Media
  • SYO 3530 Social Stratification
  • SYO 4103 Parenting in America
  • SYO 4160 American Minority Family Systems
  • SYO 4250 Sociology of Education
  • SYP 3000 Social Psychology
  • SYP 3030 Small Groups
  • SYP 3351 Social Movements
  • SYP 3454 Sociology of Globalization
  • SYP 3510 Deviant Behavior
  • SYP 3540 Sociology of Law
  • SYP 4400 Social Change
  • SYP 4610 Sociology of Culture
  • SYP 4730 Aging in America

 

 

Program Faculty

Name Email Phone
Dr. Nzinga Metzger
Associate Professor
nzinga.metzger@famu.edu (850) 599-8856
Dr. Samiri Hernandez-Hiraldo
Assistant Professor

samiri.hiraldo@famu.edu

(850) 599-8541