UC Riverside Anthropology: Unraveling Human Origins, Culture, and Society

Anthropology at UC Riverside is an exciting and dynamic field of study that explores the origins, evolution, and diversity of humankind. Our world-renowned faculty engages in cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of human culture, society, and biology.

Why Study Anthropology at UC Riverside?

• Outstanding Faculty: Our award-winning professors are leaders in their respective fields, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom.
• Exceptional Research Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research projects, working alongside faculty mentors and gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
• Dynamic Curriculum: Our comprehensive curriculum offers a wide range of courses that cover the full spectrum of anthropology, from human evolution to cultural anthropology.
• Specialized Tracks: Students can choose to specialize in areas such as Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Archaeology.
• Strong Career Prospects: Graduates with an anthropology degree are well-equipped for careers in fields such as education, healthcare, research, public policy, and international development.

Research Frontiers

Our faculty is actively engaged in research that spans a wide range of topics, including:

• Human Evolution: Investigating the fossil record, genetic evidence, and behavior to better understand the origins and evolution of our species.
• Cultural Anthropology: Exploring the diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of human societies around the world.
• Linguistic Anthropology: Studying the structure, function, and evolution of languages to gain insights into human cognition and communication.
• Archaeology: Uncovering the material remains of past societies to reconstruct human history and behavior.
• Primatology: Studying the behavior, ecology, and genetics of non-human primates to gain a comparative perspective on human evolution.

Groundbreaking Findings

Our research has made significant contributions to the field of anthropology, including:

• The discovery of the oldest known human fossil in North America.
• The development of new methods for reconstructing past climates based on archaeological data.
• The identification of new genetic variants linked to human diseases.
• The establishment of the first comprehensive database of human linguistic diversity.

Career Paths for Anthropology Graduates

An anthropology degree prepares students for a wide range of careers, including:

• Museum Curator: Preserving and interpreting cultural artifacts and conducting research on history and human society.
• Archaeologist: Excavating and analyzing archaeological sites to reconstruct past human behavior.
• Cultural Anthropologist: Conducting ethnographic research on living cultures to gain insights into human society and culture.
• Linguistic Anthropologist: Studying the structure, function, and evolution of languages to understand human cognition and communication.
• Forensic Anthropologist: Identifying human remains and assisting in criminal investigations.
• Primatologist: Studying the behavior, ecology, and genetics of non-human primates to gain insights into human evolution.
• Teacher: Teaching anthropology at the elementary, secondary, or university level.
• Researcher: Conducting research in academia, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

Data and Statistics

• According to the American Anthropological Association, the median salary for anthropologists with a master’s degree is $63,000.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% growth in anthropology jobs between 2021 and 2031.
• UC Riverside’s Anthropology Department ranks among the top 50 anthropology programs in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Innovative Idea: Applied Anthropobiology

Anthropobiology is a newly-coined term that refers to the application of anthropological principles and methods to address real-world problems. It combines the study of human biology, culture, and behavior to develop innovative solutions for issues such as:

• Healthcare: Improving access to healthcare services for underserved populations.
• Education: Developing culturally-sensitive educational programs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Promoting sustainable practices by understanding local cultural norms.
• Public Policy: Informing public policy decisions based on anthropological research.
• Conflict Resolution: Facilitating peace-building efforts through anthropological insights into human behavior.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Career Paths for Anthropology Graduates

Table 2: Research Specializations at UC Riverside

Table 3: Anthropological Research Centers at UC Riverside

Table 4: Anthropology Course Offerings