Anthropology: View the World through a Wider Lens

Anthropology is a cutting-edge discipline that stands out with its breadth and scope. As the study of what it means to be human, American Anthropology incorporates four major subfields and multiple secondary specialties. All subfields analyze the three "Bs" of Homo sapiens (biology, behavior, and belief), all subfields engage with humans across time (evolution) and space (diversity/variation) and all include prehistorical, historical, and contemporary applied practices. 

  • Archaeological Anthropology focuses on the excavation and analysis of the archaeological record;
  • Biological Anthropology examines the biological evolution and diversity of our various human species; 
  • Cultural Anthropology interfaces with living cultures and is the description and analysis of contemporary living cultures; 
  • Linguistic Anthropology is the study of the many ways people communicate across the globe, and how language enables the creation of society and culture.

As a well-trained undergraduate student of Anthropology, you will gain knowledge from all of these subfields through ethics, research methodologies, anthropological theory, and major thematic data sets such as bioarchaeology, religion, gender, and cultural resource management.

Declare a major or minor in Anthropology!*

*If you have declared a major or minor in Anthropology, you will be contacted by someone from the department to welcome and assist you. Please allow up to 7 buisness days for this e-mail.

If you are a UWG Anthropology Alumni and want to share your story with us, please go to the Students Tab - Alumni Stories - and fill out the Alumni Form! We'd love to hear from you!

Antonio J. Waring Jr. Archaeological Laboratory

Primarily a research facility, the lab is dedicated to the scholarly pursuit of knowledge about past cultures in Georgia and the greater Southeast region. Thousands of prehistoric and historic archaeological collections are held in trust by the Waring lab, which exceeds federally required curation standards. A variety of unique opportunities are made available to student employees and volunteers.

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Biological and Forensic Anthropology Laboratory

The Biological and Forensic Anthropology Laboratory (BAFAL) is an open lab space where students and faculty alike can conduct research and participate in experiential learning opportunities. Areas of study include Biological and Forensic Anthropology, Osteology, Bioarchaeology, Comparative Faunal Anatomy, Bone Histology, and more. We offer unique opportunities for student employees and volunteers to lead workshops, projects, or do research.

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  • Waring Distinguished Lecturer Series

    The Waring Distinguished Lecturer Series, organized by the Department of Anthropology, provides opportunity for students and the public to meet guest speakers.The lecture series features diverse cutting-edge research topics in Anthropology. 

    About the Lecture Series

  • Undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences

    Forensic Sciences is the application of scientific knowledge and methodology to legal problems and criminal investigations. As a growing field, Forensics offers an excellent point of entry to high-quality employment opportunities in the private sector and in federal, state, and local agencies. 

    Forensic Sciences

  • Certificate in Cultural Heritage Management (CHM)

    Cultural Heritage Management (CHM) is anthropological, archaeological, and historical research carried out to document, preserve, and protect places, properties, and objects that are considered culturally meaningful to people. 

    Cultural Heritage Management

Pig Dig: Students Investigate Mock Crime Scene

Professors of crime scene investigation – forensic anthropology – and the study of insects – entomology – join forces each year for a major field project at the University of West Georgia.

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Going Medieval

Anthropology Major and Honors College student Julia Lenderman spent part of her Study Abroad experience excavating human bodies in Poznan, Poland.  

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Anthropology Garden

Ms. Sarah Pruvenok is a Grounds Associate at UWG who attends to landscape details throughout the academic areas of campus and maintains the "Garden at Anthropology". The garden began as a beautification project, but mutual interests with faculty and staff in the Department of Anthropology led to the establishment of a seasonal Historic Teaching Garden.

Learn about the garden

Waring Lab Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

The Waring Lab recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of opening its doors in 1993. Guests were treated to tours of the newly renovated building, artifact exhibits, Native American games, flint-knapping demonstrations and the always-popular mock excavation pit.

See what happens at Waring

Enduring Traditions: Cherokee Pine Straw Baskets

Kaitlyn Bright, Curatorial Assistant at the Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory, discusses how traditional Cherokee coiled pine straw baskets are produced. This enduring tradition has been passed on from one generation to the next leading to Kaitlyn Bright, who hopes to continue this pattern of cultural transmission.

How are Cherokee pine straw baskets made?