Overview
Anthropology provides a comprehensive picture of the human experience through the study of the interaction between human biology and the environment, ancient and historical societies, and conditions in today’s globalized world.
The Anthropology concentration at UH West Oʻahu has an applied focus with special emphasis on workforce development. Applied Anthropology uses the discipline’s widely recognized cross-cultural knowledge and methods to identify and apply solutions to real life problems. Courses are offered in-class and through distance learning instruction.
Interested students may also pursue UH West Oʻahu’s Certificate in Applied Forensic Anthropology. This certificate program provides a solid foundation in forensic anthropology and an introduction to the wider field of forensic science. When combined with a concentration in Anthropology, the Applied Forensic Anthropology certificate offers students additional career opportunities and an advanced education in forensic anthropology and forensic science.
Careers and Earning Potential
Anthropology provides global information and holistic thinking skills critical to success in the 21st century. This concentration not only prepares students for graduate school, it also provides students with a widely-recognized anthropological skillset, while facilitating relationships with community groups and potential employers through service learning and internship opportunities. Students can put their knowledge into practice, both in and out of the classroom, by identifying a variety of opportunities such as careers in cultural resource management, forensics, museum curation, business, development, environmental projects, education, law, health, the non-profit sector, the federal government, and consulting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the middle 50 percent of anthropologists and archaeologists earn $61,220 nationally and $65,140 in Hawai‘i per year.
For more information on careers and earning potential, visit the Hawaiʻi Career Explorer website.
Student Clubs
The Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society emphasizes superior student performance in anthropology. The Alpha HI chapter at UHWO accepts applications from undergraduates students who have completed at least 12 credit hours of anthropology courses, maintained a 3.0 GPA overall and in anthropology courses,
The UH West O’ahu Anthropology Club is entirely student run with an executive board and monthly meetings under the supervision of a faculty adviser. The club organizes and hosts fundraisers, volunteering opportunities, and events where members can socialize on common ground about their interest in Anthropology.
