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.

Study Here

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

University of Iowa student Veronica stands in front of a display of Daruma dolls in Japan.

How studying abroad transformed the college experience for these CLAS students

Thursday, August 13, 2026

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Through internships, coursework, and cultural immersion, these CLAS students discovered new perspectives and meaningful learning experiences that extended far beyond campus.

UI Writing Enriched Curriculum pilot to begin in CLAS

Friday, July 24, 2026

Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

The University of Iowa launches a new Writing Enriched Curriculum pilot program this fall, beginning with the Department of Anthropology and the Department of History in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Anthropology student gets hands dirty in CLAS

Monday, February 9, 2026

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Breaking rocks and building a future through anthropology.

Upcoming events

AI Is Not Your Friend: Cautions and Vents about Its Uses and Abuses in the Creation of Scholarly Publications

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 3:00pm to 4:00pm

111 Church Street

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, Walter Biggins, editor-in-chief at University of Pennsylvania Press, will offer his perspective as both a longtime acquiring editor and as a writer on how the advent of AI affects the present and possible futures of scholarly publishing. In particular, he will discuss how the emerging technology creates concerns and unresolved tensions — ethical, legal, and otherwise — in publishing around intellectual property...

Science & Health Connections Fair: Employers, Graduate Programs, Medical Schools

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

Students will explore and connect with:

Life science, health science & sustainability companies

Internship/full-time positions

Graduate and service programs and medical schools

Research and volunteer opportunities

Check-in at International Ballroom Lobby in Iowa Memorial Union.

Bring your Student ID, copies of your resume and dress for success!

Police as Allies: Protester Perceptions and Cooperation in South Korea's Candlelight Protests

Thursday, October 15, 2026 5:00pm to 6:30pm

Virtual

Join the Korean Studies Research Network (KoRN) for a virtual lecture by sociologist Dr. Junghyun Nam exploring the relationship between protesters and police during South Korea's 2016-17 Candlelight Protests.

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Write your story

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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