Anthropology

Image of people from different cultures, which is the focus of anthropology classes.

Get your Associate Degree in Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humankind throughout space and time. This field of study brings together humanities plus social and natural sciences. Your archeology classes will explore the wide range of diversity in the human past, human biology and in cultural lives and practices.

Normandale is one of a select group of community colleges in the nation that offers an associate’s degree in anthropology. Anthropology classes are fascinating; you’ll explore what it means to be human, cultural diversity, tracing racism’s roots, archeology of Minnesota, and so much more.

You also can choose to take archeology classes and enjoy doing hands-on archeological field work in our working excavation site.

Earn your associate’s degree in anthropology in two years, and then seamlessly transfer as a junior to one of several Minnesota State universities to earn a bachelor’s degree in anthropology.

Careers In Anthropology

Image of people from different cultures, which is the focus of earning an associate's degree in anthropology.

A degree in anthropology prepares you for jobs in a variety of fields, including:

Academia - teaching, laboratory research in anthropology history, sociology or even nursing
Archaeology – evaluating past cultural and natural resource management
Archival collections/museum curation
Corporate and business positions in all areas of human interactions
Environmental areas such as geology and geography/park ranging
Forensic (legal) positions working with human remains

Why take Anthropology classes at Normandale?

You get to find out what makes humans tick as you earn an Image of people from different cultures, which is the focus of earning an associate's degree in anthropology. associate degree in anthropology. And you’ll learn to think with an evolutionary lens about our biological, social, economic and cultural world. Further, you’ll explore:

How to use analytical tools to study human behavior, culture and evolution
How to think more critically about cultural differences them
Cultural differences and how to identify gaps in services for minority cultures
The relationship between theory, research methods and data

You’ll gain knowledge and skills that will serve you well in not only careers in anthropology but in communities you interact with.

Anthropology Program Basics

What are the program requirements?

Find out more about program requirements by viewing our degree page-

Anthropology- Associate of Arts Emphasis (AA)

There is also a certificate and an emphasis in field archeology.

Scholarships

The David B. Jones (DBJ) Foundation scholarship supports eligible scholars who are Native American students completing an associate degree at Normandale with plans to continue their educational pathway to a four-year institution.

Eligibility Criteria:

Student identifies as Indigenous or Native American
Has completed a minimum of 30 credits towards an associate degree
Is enrolled in a minimum of 9 credits during the semester in which they receive the scholarship
Student intends to complete an associate degree at Normandale
Student intends to transfer to a four-year institution after completing an associate degree; institutions include: Southwest Minnesota State University, Minnesota State University Mankato, St. Cloud University, Bemidji State University, and the University of Minnesota

The David B. Jones (DBJ) Foundation also supports eligible scholars who are underrepresented in higher education--who identify as Native American students, low-income students, first-generation students, and/or students of color – with the goal of advancing the DBJ Foundation and Normandale Community College’s commitment to excellence in anthropology and archaeology education and eliminating educational equity gaps.

Eligibility Criteria:

Student identifies as underrepresented in higher education (Indigenous or Native American, low-income, first-generation college student, or student of color)
Student is enrolled a minimum of 6 credits during the semester of the award
Student is enrolled in at least one of the following Normandale courses during the semester they receive the award: a Normandale Anthropology course, GEOL 1110, GEOL 1101, GEOG 1101, HIST 1133, ENGL 2133

For more information, please visit the Scholarship Portal.

Course Outlines