Academic Catalog 2025-2026

Slippery Rock University

Interdisciplinary Programs, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Anthropology

WHAT CAN I DO WITH AN ANTHROPOLOGY DEGREE?

Learn about the world and yourself. Anthropology is a broad field that seeks to understand what it means to be human in all possible ways, from understanding our evolutionary origins to examining our cultural variability. Students can follow their curiosity and study human behavior in the past or present and gain skills in linguistics, cultural studies, critical thinking, writing and analysis that are applicable to careers in academia; the corporate and business world; government; education; historic preservation and archaeology; museums; advocacy; design; market research; international development; and health care.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. Applied, Interdisciplinary and Responsive Approaches: Challenges students to investigate current social dilemmas, then design and/or deliver integrated, innovative, solution-driven responses that reflect critical inquiry, analytical thinking, and an understanding of root causes, social context and personal consequences. (UG2)
  2. Critical Thinking and Lifelong Learning: Critically evaluate explanations of human behavior, social phenomena, and social processes locally and globally. Identify and assess the assumptions underlying different theoretical perspectives. (UG2)
  3. Cultural Literacy, Inclusion and Respect for Diversity: Foster the creation of a learning community that values lifelong learning and fosters critical analysis and understanding of cultural literacy, respect for diversity, and inclusion. (UG9)
  4. Empowerment, Personal Agency and Civic Engagement: Enhance individual purpose and expose students to skills, knowledge and experiences that foster the practice of authentic, respectful and mutual-beneficial civic engagement. (UG7)
  5. Ethical Behavior and Justice: With an awareness of the effects of social injustice, have an appreciation of diversity and inclusion. Consider justice values and ethics in professional practice including ways of thinking and doing. (UG8)
  6. Written and Oral Communication: Appropriately, effectively, and persuasively prepare and present views. (UG1)

RELATED LINKS

Interdisciplinary Programs - Anthropology, BS Program Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Other Basic Requirments0-3
Major/Concentration Requirements42
Electives36

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

The Rock
SUBJ 139Foundations of Academic Discovery 13
ENGL 102Critical Writing3
ENGL 104Critical Reading3
MATH 117Quantitative Reasoning3
Select one of the following:3
Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice
Ethics and Civil Discourse
Civil Discourse and Democracy
Subtotal15
Integrated Inquiry
Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Humanities Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Social Science Inquiry
Select 3 Credits3
Natural Science Inquiry
SCI 101Science of Life3
Physical Science Inquiry
SCI 102Understanding the Physical World3
Subtotal15
Thematic Thread
Select 12 Credits 212
Subtotal12
Total Hours42
1

Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.

2

One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.

Basic Math Requirement

Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.

Complete one of the following:0-3
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR
Beginning Algebra
Total Hours0-3

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major Requirements

  • 21 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
  • 21 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above (Adviser approved courses)
  • Courses used in this major may not be used to satisfy ROCK Studies 2, a minor, or another major’s requirements.
  • AP, Credit by Exam, CLEP, and institutional credit by exam may count towards the degree to a maximum of 45 credits. Pass/Fail and non-credit courses will not be counted in the major.
Core Courses 1
INDP 108Introduction to Anthropology3
Oral and Written Communication
Select at least three credits from the following:3
Introduction to Nonprofit Management
Principles of Sociology
Introduction to Gender Studies
American National Government
Interpersonal Skills and Civic Responsibility
Select at least six credits from the following:6
Race and Ethnic Diversity in the USA
Biological Anthropology
Archaeology/World Prehistory
Cultural Area Studies
Analytical, Quantitative & Critical Thinking Skills
INDP 317Statistics for the Social Sciences3
INDP 318Research Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies3
or POLI 310 Social Science Research Methods
INDP 499Capstone: Applied Interdisciplinary Studies3
or POLI 444 Social Science Capstone
or INDP 401 Applied Anthropology
Subtotal21
Emphasis Area 1
Select 21 credits that relate to or support the student learning outcomes, by advisement21
Subtotal21
Experiential Learning Activities
Complete 40 hours of experiential learning activities which are approved by the Academic Adviser. Please consult with your Adviser for details of the options available.
Total Hours42
1

Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA.

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. International study programs (short-term, semester)
  2. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  3. Student-faculty creative projects
  4. Internships
  5. Experiential Learning (Practice experience outside the classroom)

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS - BS (5198)/CIM 258
Concentration in Anthropology (ANTH)
This program is effective as of Summer 2025
Revised 09.23.2025
UCC 04.29.2025