Anthropology

Students in Brady G'sell's class sitting in a circle for a class discussion

The comparative study of peoples and cultures, past and present.

Why Iowa?

If you like history, people, and hands-on learning, studying anthropology at the University of Iowa is the place for you.

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Students in a cultural anthropology class discussing an item one of the students is holding

Build a foundation

The Department of Anthropology offers both BA and BS degrees in anthropology, as well as an anthropology minor. The department offers two specialized tracks within the major—archaeology and medical anthropology—for students wishing a greater focus within the major.

Build a foundation

Student in gold sweatshirt examining a skull she is holding

Expand your horizons

The Department of Anthropology grants both MA and PhD degrees in anthropology, and also offers a specialized MA in Cultural Resource Management, working closely with faculty and staff from the Office of the State Archaeologist.

Expand your horizons

Cynthia Chou and a student reviewing a file of booklets in her cultural anthropology class

Learn from experts

Faculty in our department pursue research in all four subfields of anthropology, and conduct research at locations around the globe, including East, South, and Southeast Asia; Europe; southern Africa; North America; South America; and the Pacific.

Learn from experts

See yourself here

As a discipline centered on human life, anthropology offers unique tools to analyze, understand, and address pressing issues facing people and the planet.

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News and announcements

Doctoral candidate Andrés Restrepo-Sánchez recently participated in the XVIII Congress of Anthropology in Colombia

Friday, June 6, 2025

UI alumna Isabel Rushton awarded Fulbright to teach English in Slovakia

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

UI International Programs

Learn more about Isabel Ruston being awarded the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Slovakia.

CLAS announces 2025 faculty promotion and tenure awards

Monday, May 19, 2025

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Our teaching, research and public engagement are animated by anthropology’s appreciation for and study of all aspects of human difference.

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