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

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.

Examining rural life in Portugal during the Modern Period

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

University of Iowa Graduate College

Connecting the daily lives of rural people to large-scale cultural change in 15th and 16th Portugal is the cornerstone of second-year doctoral student Shannon Casey’s research.

Global Health student gains internship experience abroad this summer

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

International Programs

Veronica Ramirez, a global health major stepped far outside her comfort zone to complete an internship in South Africa, gaining professional experience while immersing in a new culture.

Upcoming events

Culture on Film: Short, Indigenous, Creative (pick 2 or more) - Ida Beam public lecture

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 3:30pm to 4:20pm

Becker Communication Studies Building

This talk will offer a quick-start guide for novice filmmakers, illustrated by several Indigenous-made films that showcase the creative energy and power of short-form and do-it-yourself media.

Documentary screening of 'Searching for Sequoyah' hosted by Ida Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor Joshua B. Nelson

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Becker Communication Studies Building

We will hold a screening of the PBS documentary "Searching for Sequoyah (ᎾᏍᎩᏃ ᏍᏏᏉᏯ ᎠᏥᏲᎭ)" with commentary by co-producer, co-writer and host Prof. Joshua B. Nelson, Ida Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor.

"Reimagining Aid: Foreign Donors, Women’s Health, and New Paths for Development in Cambodia" presented by Dr. Mary-Collier Wilks

Friday, April 3, 2026 2:30pm

Macbride Hall

Dr. Mary-Collier Wilks from UNC Wilmington will discuss their book "Reimagining Aid: Foreign Donors, Women’s Health, and New Paths for Development in Cambodia."

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