Discover answers to your questions about human culture and biology – past and present – as you become a leader who solves problems, thinks critically and communicates clearly in a globalized world.
As an anthropology major at USD, you will follow your curiosity about people and cultures as you study human beings throughout time. With courses in the four fields of anthropology (cultural, biological, linguistic and archaeological), USD offers you a robust education filled with unique, hands-on experiences. Here you will receive personalized mentorship from expert faculty, and you will get hands-on experience through opportunities like field work, research in the USD Archaeology Laboratory, internships and more. These educational advantages will set you up for success in countless careers, including positions such as a field archaeologist, museum curator, forensic scientist, video game and media designer, educator or foreign service officer.
Become a leader who can meet tomorrow's societal challenges with a rich understanding of our past and present as an anthropology major.
As the study of human beings across time and cultures, anthropology applies to nearly any career path. Through this program, you will excavate and interpret remains left by past cultures, examine human biology and its relationships to culture and behavior, explore the role of culture in society from local and global perspectives and come to understand the interaction of culture and language.
A minor in anthropology will help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills and explore as you learn about people and cultures around the world throughout history. This program is a great complement to a variety of majors, including sociology, political science, criminal justice and legal studies.
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Through internships and research opportunities, you can gain valuable real-world experience at USD. Our students have completed internships at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and other prestigious destinations. Locally, you can intern at the W.H. Over Museum and other non-profit organizations to apply the skills you have acquired in the classroom. There are a variety of undergraduate research opportunities available to you, including the chance to assist with research in the USD Archaeology Laboratory. Recent students traveled to Baylor University to assist with osteological research, while others spent part of the summer excavating a historic South Dakota town site during the Susan Tuve Archaeological Field School.
The USD Archaeology Laboratory (ARCHLAB) is the research facility for the anthropology program at USD. The ARCHLAB is home to laboratories, curation facilities, a wet lab, a specialized library, field equipment and more. You'll learn about archaeology through data recovery and organization and analysis of the Great Plains region, and you can look forward to hands-on research experiences, including uncovering local history during the Susan Tuve Archaeological Field School.
The Anthropology Program Enthusiasts Society (APES) is the official club for anthropology at USD. You can connect with other students in your major and develop lifelong friendships as you work toward a career that reflects your passion for anthropology. The group hosts field trips and sponsors events like atlatl spear-throwing contests, games nights, cultural cuisine nights and travels to regional museums. The APES also sponsor "Gorilla-grams" every spring and participate in community events, like drive-through Trick-or-Treating.
Human behavior. Biology. Culture. Societies. Social change. Explore what brings us together and what makes us unique on biological and social levels through the Department of Anthropology & Sociology.
Looking to specialize in a specific area of anthropology? Our program offers you a variety of minors and certificates so you can focus on your unique areas of interest. Check out our minors in archaeology and geography or certificates in forensic anthropology and health and culture to uncover new layers of your education.
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SD Residents, SD Advantage* & Child of Alumni
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Out-of-State
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Tuition (30 cr.)
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9432
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12942
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Fees (30 cr.)
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1659
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1659
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Books (estimate)
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1200
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1200
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Housing
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4890
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4890
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Food Service
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4194
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4194
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Total
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* SD Advantage: The in-state rate is available to new undergraduate students who are residents of South Dakota, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas (starting Summer 2024), Minnesota (starting Summer 2024), Missouri (starting Summer 2024), Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming and children of alumni of USD.
This is an estimated annual cost. Other factors may change the cost of tuition.
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities.
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
USD awards nearly $9.5 million in scholarships each year. View our scholarships to see which ones you may qualify for and how you can apply.
The anthropology program at USD fully prepared me to succeed in graduate school, and I attribute that preparation to the wonderful faculty within the department. All of the professors at USD are so willing to help the students succeed, whether it be through help on a paper or mentoring in an independent study course.
Natalie Basta
B.A. Anthropology '19
Death Investigator at Cass County Coroner's Office
Fargo, ND
