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.

Visit

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

Gilman - Study Abroad Scholarship Information Session

Friday, September 25, 2026 9:00am to 10:00am

Virtual

Join International Programs for one of several information sessions to discuss the process of applying for a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Applications are now being accepted for programs starting between December 1, 2026 - October 31, 2027 (winter 2026-27, spring 2027, summer 2027, fall 2027, and academic year 2027-2028).

The presenters of these sessions, Levi Bowman and Teresa Kout, will introduce you to the Gilman, coach you on how to fill out the application, and give insight...

Gilman - Study Abroad Scholarship Information Session

Monday, September 28, 2026 10:30am to 11:30am

Virtual

The presenters of these sessions, Levi Bowman and Teresa Kout, will introduce you to the Gilman, coach you on how to fill out the application, and give insight...

Registration Deadline: Junior Faculty and Graduate Student Session with Walter Biggins, Obermann Editor-in-Residence

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (all day)

111 Church Street

University of Iowa junior faculty and graduate students at all stages are invited to join Walter Biggins—editor-in-chief at the University of Pennsylvania Press—for a light breakfast and a conversation about turning an article, thesis, or dissertation into a book on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 9–10:30 a.m. at the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies library. Please bring any questions you have about that process or about scholarly publishing in general.

Register by Wednesday, September 30.

Biggins is...

View more events

Write your story

Our teaching, research and public engagement are animated by anthropology’s appreciation for and study of all aspects of human difference.

Apply