Portland State University’s Anthropology program teaches you how humans operate and interact through space and time, and helps make anthropology actionable so your work can have a lasting impact.
As a student in our bachelor’s degree program, you’ll explore the diversity of human nature and culture in our robust anthropology courses. Our expert faculty will introduce you to our three subfields of archaeology, biological anthropology and socio-cultural anthropology. They bring real-life perspectives into the classroom to help you develop strong critical thinking skills and apply your coursework to practical problems.
Gain Real-World Experience with Field Training & Research
Our anthropology program in Portland brings you real-world opportunities. You’ll have access to hands-on internships and the chance to help faculty with research projects. We offer hands-on lab and field training in primatology, osteology and archaeology. In classes, you can apply ethnographic research, theories and methods to current day issues. You can explore cultural anthropological methods through on-campus workshops. You can also create exhibits for the Archaeology Roadshow, a large event that educates the public about Oregon's heritage and the value of archaeology.
Faculty Expertise in Environment, Identity & Policy
Our faculty have expertise in environment and conservation, heritage and identity, health, money and the political economy. Their strong relationships with government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions and businesses can help you build your network, and land unique internships and field opportunities.
Complement Your Major with an Anthropology Minor for a Broader Perspective
Our Anthropology minor can help students majoring in business, pre-med, history, geography and engineering better understand human behavior, culture and social systems. Our minor enhances their ability to analyze complex problems, communicate across diverse populations and apply critical thinking skills in global and interdisciplinary contexts.
Earn Your BA and MA in Just 5 Years
We offer an accelerated Bachelor’s + Master’s program, so you can get your bachelor’s in anthropology and master’s in anthropology in as little as five years — and save time and money.
Get Involved with the Anthropology Student Association for Learning and Community
Our Anthropology Student Association can help you get more involved in the field. They offer activities that support student learning, professional development and connection. As a member, you can attend conferences, join a film night to explore anthropology in popular culture or work with local organizations on volunteer projects.
Join PSU’s School of Earth, Environment & Society for Interdisciplinary Learning
When you major in anthropology, you’ll be part of PSU’s School of Earth, Environment and Society. This new school focuses on interdisciplinary teaching, learning and research that addresses the most pressing and complex issues facing the planet, and the people who call it home.
PSU’s Anthropology program focuses on career readiness and offers you eight career pathways:
- Cultural Resources Management and Heritage
- Design Anthropology
- Development and Social Justice
- Health Anthropology
- Humans, Environment and Resilience
- Paleoanthropology and Human Osteology
- Primatology and Human Biology
- Public and Community Anthropology/Archaeology
We'll help you explore career paths best suited to your interests and identify research and internship opportunities to build your skillset.
Career Paths: What Can You Do with an Anthropology Degree?
When you graduate from our program, you’ll have the skills and real-world experience to pursue work as a:
- Archaeological field technician
- Community outreach liaison
- Crew lead and project archaeologist
- Design researcher
- Forensic investigator
- Museum curator
- Policy analyst
- Primatologist conservationist
- Tribal liaison
PSU’s University Career Center can also help you find internships and jobs in anthropology.
Where PSU Anthropology Graduates Work
Our alumni work in government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions and businesses. They’ve landed jobs at:
- Bonneville Power Administration
- Columbia Land Trust
- Mercy Corps
- Oregon Department of Human Services
- SWCA Environmental Consultants
- U.S. Bureau of Land Management
- U.S. National Park Service
Our graduates have also gone on to pursue advanced degrees at top programs in the field.
Start Your Anthropology Journey at Portland State University
- Build real-world career skills in anthropology, policy and conservation
- Explore cultural anthropology, archaeology and applied research
- Gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and internships
Take the next step toward an exciting career in anthropology. Apply now and start your journey at Portland State University today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with an Anthropology degree from PSU?
Graduates pursue careers as archaeologists, museum curators, forensic investigators, tribal liaisons, policy analysts, primatologist conservationists and community outreach specialists. Many continue into graduate study or professional fields such as law, medicine and public policy.
Does PSU offer fieldwork and research opportunities in Anthropology?
Yes. Students participate in archaeological digs, osteology and primatology labs, ethnographic workshops, faculty-led research projects and the Archaeology Roadshow, which engages the public in Oregon’s heritage.
What career pathways does PSU Anthropology support?
PSU highlights eight pathways: cultural resources management, design anthropology, development and social justice, health anthropology, humans and environment, paleoanthropology, primatology and public/community anthropology.
Is there an accelerated way to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Anthropology at PSU?
Yes. PSU offers an accelerated Bachelor’s + Master’s program that lets students complete both degrees in as little as five years.
How does an Anthropology minor complement other majors?
The Anthropology minor enhances programs like business, pre-med, history, geography and engineering by strengthening cross-cultural communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.