The anthropology major at Central College, focused on cultural anthropology, emphasizes learning about non-Western societies, with the goal of preparing students for involvement and careers in an increasingly diverse and culturally dynamic world. Students conduct original research and complete internships that provide an edge in applying to jobs or graduate school.
The required courses offer a combination of academic, anthropological knowledge and real-world fieldwork experiences that give students the foundation they will need to put their anthropological training to use after college. The anthropology major is also structured so students can easily combine it with another program of study (e.g. a foreign language major, not-for-profit management, an interdisciplinary program, etc.), providing even greater opportunities for students to capture their individual interests and prepare for a range of professional careers.
Conducting field research is a rite of passage for all anthropologists. Anthropology majors formulate individual field research projects during their junior year, conducting fieldwork in Pella or surrounding communities. In recent years, students have carried out ethnographic studies of Red Rock park rangers, Knoxville police officers, Iraqi immigrants living in Des Moines and lesbian college students. Students present the results of their research during the Undergraduate Scholarship Symposium in May of each year.
An astounding 58 percent of Central College graduates who go to graduate school do so in health-related fields.
During the anthropology major’s Senior Seminar, all anthropology majors participate in a semester-long internship that prepares them for a specific career after graduation. In conjunction with the internship, students identify skills and develop resumes and cover letters that will help them get started on their chosen career path. Majors have recently participated in internships at the Pella Police Department, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Iowa State Historical Society and One Iowa: Equality for LGBT Iowans.
Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with partner programs in Chicago, Washington, D.C. or New York City. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.
Cynthia Mahmood, the Frank Moore Endowed Chair in Anthropology and professor of anthropology at Central College, will present “Civic Engagement Between Sikhs and Anthropologists” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 9, in the Boat/Moore rooms of Maytag Student Center.
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group for you! Learn how you can get involved with groups and organizations at Central.
Central’s anthropology major is structured to provide students with a strong grounding in cultural anthropology within a liberal arts framework. The required courses offer a combination of academic anthropological knowledge and real-world fieldwork experiences, giving students the foundation they need to put their anthropological training to use after college.
Learn more about Anthropology in the course catalog.
Want to find out more about Anthropology at Central? Contact us to learn more about this major and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
