Department website: https://www.atu.edu/history

The combined Anthropology and Geography program seeks to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of human societies and the environments they inhabit. By integrating the study of human cultures, behaviors, and histories with the physical and spatial dimensions of geography, we aim to foster a holistic perspective on the complexities of human interaction with the natural world. Our program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and a commitment to sustainability, preparing students to address contemporary global challenges such as climate change, migration, urbanization, and cultural preservation. Through hands-on learning, fieldwork, and collaborative projects, we empower students to become informed, adaptable, and engaged global citizens.

Possible Careers:

• Cultural Anthropologist
• Geospatial Analyst
• GIS Specialist
• Archaeologist
• Urban Planner
• Environmental Consultant
• Community Development Specialist
• International Development Officer
• Sustainability Consultant
• Museum Curator
• Public Policy Analyst
• Natural Resource Manager
• Historic Preservationist
• Climate Change Researcher
• Humanitarian Aid Worker
• Travel and Tourism Expert

The anthropology and geography degree requires thirty-three semester hours in major curriculum requirements beyond the required General Education curriculum.

To satisfy General Education requirements, majors are required to take:

The thirty-three semester hours required for the degree includes:

Those students completing the anthropology track will take an additional course emphasizing qualitative research methods (ANTH 3403 Ethnographic Methods) and an upper-level anthropology seminar (ANTH 4983 Seminar in Anthropology).

Those students completing the geography track will take an additional methods course in geographic information science (GEOG 3403 GIS II - Planning Applications) and a senior level geography seminar (GEOG 4983 Geography Seminar:).

Of the remaining eighteen hours of required anthropology/geography credit, six must come from anthropology and six from geography. Twenty-one of the required thirty-three semester hours must be on the 3000-4000 level.

Curriculum

The matrix below is a sample plan for all coursework required for this program.

¹

See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements."

²

At least 40 of the total hours required for graduation must be 3000 - 4000 level courses.

³

Must be in one language. Students may waive three hours of language requirement for every one year of language study in high school with grades of "C" or better.  Students would take 6 hours of fine arts or humanities in place of language.

⁴

ANTH 3403 Ethnographic Methods and ANTH 4983 Seminar in Anthropology or GEOG 3403 GIS II - Planning Applications and GEOG 4983 Geography Seminar:.

Interdisciplinary Understanding

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts and methodologies in both anthropology and geography, including the study of human cultures, societies, physical landscapes, and spatial patterns.

Cultural and Environmental Analysis

Analyze the relationships between human societies and their environments, recognizing how cultural, economic, and political factors shape human interactions with landscapes, ecosystems, and urban areas.

Fieldwork and Research Skills

Develop proficiency in conducting field-based research, including participant observation, surveys, interviews, and spatial data collection, to gather qualitative and quantitative information from diverse geographical settings.

Geospatial Techniques and Tools

Apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis tools to map, analyze, and interpret geographical and cultural data across various scales and environments.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Apply critical thinking skills to assess complex global issues, such as climate change, migration, urbanization, and resource management, and propose innovative solutions that consider both cultural and environmental factors.

Ethical Considerations in Research

Understand and apply ethical principles in both anthropological and geographical research, particularly in working with indigenous communities, marginalized groups, and vulnerable populations.

Global Perspective and Cultural Awareness

Develop a global perspective on human-environment interactions, understanding how cultural practices, historical contexts, and environmental factors influence local and global issues such as sustainability and development.

Communication and Collaboration

Effectively communicate research findings through written reports, oral presentations, visual media, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address complex issues in anthropology, geography, and related fields.

Sustainable Development and Policy

Evaluate the impact of human activities on the environment and assess strategies for sustainable development, incorporating knowledge from both anthropology and geography to inform policies aimed at environmental conservation and community well-being.

Career Readiness and Applied Learning

Prepare for diverse careers by engaging in internships, fieldwork, and real-world projects that integrate anthropological and geographical approaches to address pressing global challenges in areas like urban planning, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.

For program assessment visit: https://www.atu.edu/assessment/program_assessment.php