Undergraduate FAQ
How do I declare a major in Anthropology?
Fill out the Major Declaration/Change Form electronically and meet with Anthropology Department Chair, Dr. Janet McGrath. Dr. McGrath will assign you a major advisor.
How do I declare a minor in Anthropology?
Fill out the Minor Declaration/Change Form electronically and meet with Anthropology Department Chair, Dr. Janet McGrath. Dr. McGrath will assign you a minor advisor with interests similar to yours (medical, biological, cultural, or general anthropology or archaeology).
Can I double major in Anthropology and [any other major]?
Yes, you can find the major requirements for each Anthropology concentration in our Undergraduate Major/Minor Information document. The Office of Undergraduate Studies provides general information on double majors here.
What secondary major goes along with Anthropology?
Biology and Engineering are some of the secondary majors that Anthropology students choose. The Office of Undergraduate Studies provides general information on secondary majors here.
Can I minor in Anthropology along with other minors?
Yes, you can find the minor requirements for each Anthropology concentration in our Undergraduate Major/Minor Information document.
Where can I find the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Degree requirements?
You can find the degree requirements for College of Arts and Sciences undergraduates here.
Where can I find the Case School of Engineering Undergraduate Degree requirements?
You can find the degree requirements for Case School of Engineering undergraduates here.
Can courses used to fulfill requirements for the major also be used to fulfill the breadth requirements?
Yes, two can. See the section on breadth requirements here.
Where can I find the SAGES requirements?
You can find the SAGES requirements here.
Are majors required to take the SAGES Anthropology Capstone?
No. All students must successfully pass one (and only one) Capstone course in order to graduate. Some majors require students to complete the Capstone as part of their major requirements. Anthropology is not one of those departments. In other words, Anthropology majors are not required to complete their Capstone requirement with an Anthropology Capstone course. Students may choose to do an Anthropology capstone, but it is not required. Several Anthropology courses are approved as Capstones and individual professors may supervise Capstones. Here are the general SAGES Capstone requirements. Here are those for an Anthropology Capstone.
What Anthropology courses count as approved SAGES Departmental Seminars?
You can find a list of approved SAGES Departmental Seminars in our Undergraduate Major/Minor Information document. In order to determine which seminars are being offered each semester, enter ANTH under “Course Subject” and select SAGES Department Seminar under “Course List” in the Schedule of Classes (SIS).
How do I substitute a non-Anthropology course for a major requirement?
Talk with your advisor who will consult with Dr. McGrath. If they agree the course is appropriate, then complete an Academic Advisement Substitution Form. You can find the form here. The completed form will need to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Studies. Some substitutions are routine because the courses are cross-listed, e.g., BIOL and ANTH 225 Evolution, or because the courses are frequently used, e.g., some Anatomy courses.
What are approved electives for Anthropology majors?
You can find a list of approved electives for each Anthropology concentration in our Undergraduate Major/Minor Information document. If you would like to substitute a course that is not on the list, talk with your advisor who will consult with Dr. McGrath. If they agree the course is appropriate, then print out and complete an Academic Advisement Report Substitution Form for you and your advisor to sign and deliver to the Office of Undergraduate Studies.
How do I arrange an Independent Study course?
Consult with your advisor about the most appropriate faculty member or contact a professor directly to learn whether they are available to work with you on an ANTH 399 Independent Study course (1-6 credits).
Where can I learn about Study Abroad opportunities?
Talk with one of the Study Abroad advisors.
Are there research opportunities for Anthropology majors?
Yes! You may apply to one or more funded Research Opportunities for Undergraduates at the National Science Foundation here. You may search for location, subfield, and other characteristics. You may want to start with the “Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences” heading. Talk with your professors and advisor if you are interested in an opportunity on-campus or locally. One option is the Experiential Learning Fellowship in Anthropology. Also, you can consult the Student Employment Office and attend the CHOICES fair.
How do I apply for Integrated Graduate Studies (IGS)?
The IGS program at CWRU is an opportunity to earn both a BA and an MA in four years of study. You can find detailed instructions on the program here. Once you review the instructions and qualifications, you can schedule an appointment with Steven P. Scherger, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies, to determine eligibility. If he decides that you are eligible, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee Hoffer, Anthropology Department Graduate Advisor.
Where can I learn more about graduate education in Anthropology?
Talk with your professors, advisors, and look at the Bulletin Board in the hall outside the Anthropology Department Main Office. Also, this site allows you to search depending on the subfield of interest, location, and other characteristics.
How do I find out about Field Schools?
The American Anthropological Association field school catalogue is available here. Talk with your professors and advisors to learn which ones they recommend.
Where can I learn more about career planning for Anthropology majors?
Talk with your professors, advisors, the Career Center and consult with some of the following resources:
What you can do with a degree in Anthropology (American Anthropological Association)
Anthropologists and Archaeologists (College Grad)
Anthropologists and Archaeologists (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)