About Our Program
Anthropologists study humanity in many different dimensions, across time and space. The field is divided into three main areas of inquiry: modern human societies (Socio-cultural Anthropology), past human societies (Archaeology), and human and primate biology (Biological Anthropology). At Southern Illinois University, we strive to offer students an integrated, multi-field approach to the study of humans, at the undergraduate and graduate levels, along with opportunities to work with active researchers in all areas. For more information on each area and the faculty, see "Program Tracks."
In addition, Anthropology maintains close ties with the Center for Archaeological Investigations and with the University Museum. Many students work on field and curation projects with both units. Faculty are also active participants in the Center for Ecology, the Center for Delta Studies, and the Global Media Research Center, which are inter-disciplinary research centers on campus.
Anthropology also forms a central part of several interdisciplinary minors on campus, including minors in Africana Studies (also now available as a major), Forensic Science, Latino and Latin American Studies, and Native American Studies.
Our faculty and students work and study all around the world, in addition to our home base on the scenic campus in the beautiful hills of southern Illinois. We invite you to visit us through our website (our history, our faculty and student research, and our programs of study) or to drop by in Faner Hall, above the University Museum.