Mission Statement

Anthropology Vision Statement

The UNC Anthropology Department teaches students how to study and understand how human behavior and cultures grow and change over time. Our graduates become knowledgeable and culturally-aware professionals, as well as active members of their communities. They use what they have learned to solve real-world problems and make people’s lives better. Anthropology majors gain the skills they need to succeed in many different careers and are also prepared to attend graduate school in anthropology if they choose to continue their education.

Anthropology Mission Statement

The UNC Anthropology Department offers undergraduate classes in four main areas: cultural anthropology, applied anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology. Students learn through required courses and hands-on experiences. We prepare graduates who can communicate clearly in writing and speech, understand different cultures, and think critically.

Students learn how to carefully study information from different points of view and recognize possible bias before making thoughtful decisions. We help students build adaptability, resilience, and lifelong learning skills so they can succeed in a fast-changing world. Anthropology gives them useful tools to handle uncertainty and complex challenges.

Our faculty members actively conduct research, publish their work, receive outside funding, and work with community organizations to solve real-world problems. Students also take part in community projects, internships, and research experiences that connect what they learn in class to real careers.

We regularly review how well we are helping students develop strong thinking skills, cultural understanding, and career readiness, while also creating welcoming and inclusive classrooms. Our mission guides how we design courses, assess student learning, recruit students, and support their success.