University Of Nevada Reno Anthropology Department Overview

Quick Links :

Hide

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Anthropology Department is a vibrant and dynamic community of scholars dedicated to the study of human cultures, behaviors, and biological characteristics. As one of the largest and most respected anthropology programs in the western United States, the department offers students a comprehensive education in the field, with a focus on hands-on research, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity.

Departmental Mission and Goals

The UNR Anthropology Department is committed to providing students with a rich and inclusive learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. The department's mission is to promote a deeper understanding of human diversity, both past and present, and to prepare students for careers in a wide range of fields, including academia, research, government, and industry.

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

The UNR Anthropology Department offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in anthropology, including Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, as well as Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees. The department also offers a Ph.D. program in anthropology, with specializations in cultural anthropology, archaeological anthropology, and biological anthropology.

The undergraduate program provides students with a broad foundation in anthropology, including coursework in cultural anthropology, archaeological anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Students can also choose to specialize in a particular area of interest, such as forensic anthropology, anthropological linguistics, or cultural resource management.

The graduate program is designed to provide students with advanced training in anthropology, with a focus on research, critical thinking, and professional development. Students can choose from a range of specializations, including cultural anthropology, archaeological anthropology, biological anthropology, and anthropological linguistics.

Faculty and Research

The UNR Anthropology Department is home to a diverse and accomplished faculty, with expertise in a wide range of areas, including cultural anthropology, archaeological anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Faculty members are actively engaged in research and scholarly activities, and many have received national and international recognition for their work.

The department is also home to several research centers and laboratories, including the Anthropology Laboratory, the Archaeology Laboratory, and the Human Identification Laboratory. These facilities provide students with hands-on training and research experience, and are also used by faculty members to conduct research and analyze data.

Student Life and Organizations

The UNR Anthropology Department has a vibrant and active student community, with several student organizations and clubs that provide opportunities for socialization, networking, and professional development. These include the Anthropology Club, the Archaeology Club, and the Lambda Alpha National Honor Society for Anthropology.

Students can also participate in a range of extracurricular activities, including research projects, field schools, and volunteer opportunities. These experiences provide students with hands-on training and practical experience, and can also help to build their skills and resumes.

Career Opportunities

Anthropology graduates from UNR have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers, including academia, research, government, industry, and non-profit work. Some common career paths for anthropology graduates include:

• Archaeological consultant
• Cultural resource manager
• Forensic anthropologist
• Museum curator
• Public policy analyst
• Research scientist
• Teacher/professor

Alumni Success Stories

UNR anthropology graduates have gone on to achieve great success in a wide range of fields. Some notable alumni include:

• Dr. Kathryn Klar, a professor of anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley
• Dr. Richard Wilk, a professor of anthropology at Indiana University
• Dr. Margaret Conkey, a professor of anthropology at the University of California, Berkeley
• Dr. David Hurst Thomas, a curator of anthropology at the American Museum of Natural History