Anthropology
Apply for AdmissionWhy Study Anthropology?
Anthropology, the science of humankind, explores what it means to be human from the broadest possible perspective. An anthropological perspective is essential to thriving personally and professionally in our 21st century globalized world.
Because of its study of culture and human behavior, anthropology is a social science; in its study of human physical traits, anthropology is a biological science.
To investigate human behavior, anthropologists collect and analyze data from every type of society, past and present. From this wide perspective, anthropology helps us understand other peoples and thereby enables us to better understand ourselves.
A Broad Global Understanding
Anthropology, the science of humankind, explores what it means to be human from the broadest possible perspective. An anthropological perspective is essential to thriving personally and professionally in our 21st century globalized world.
Because of its study of culture and human behavior, anthropology is a social science; in its study of human physical traits, anthropology is a biological science.
To investigate human behavior, anthropologists collect and analyze data from every type of society, past and present. From this wide perspective, anthropology helps us understand other peoples and thereby enables us to better understand ourselves.
In the Classroom
The Department of Anthropology at Foothill College turns the traditional classroom inside out by emphasizing experiential learning.
We offer an excellent range of courses that expose students to all facets of anthropology, including cultural anthropology, archaeology, human evolution, forensics, linguistics, medical anthropology, magic and religion, lost civilizations, and modern and ancient cultures of California and the world.
Tutoring is Available for all Classes!The drop-in tutoring hours for Anthropology students are variable, please ask your professor for the latest information. |
Studying in Silicon Valley
In the heart of global innovation, Silicon Valley is where technology meets culture — and where boundaries are reimagined every day. Here, people aren’t just building new tools; they’re transforming the way we connect, communicate, and understand one another.
As our world grows increasingly interconnected, the need for cultural insight has never been greater. Anthropology provides the lens to make sense of it all — helping you understand people, systems, and societies in a time of rapid change. Employers seek graduates who can think critically, adapt globally, and bridge the human side of technology. You are the next generation of anthropologists — ready to shape a smarter, more connected world.
What can you do with a degree in Anthropology?
A major in Anthropology can prepare you for:
- User Experience Researcher
- Field Archaeologist
- Laboratory Assistant
- UX Researcher
- Museum Technician
- Teacher
- Analyst
- Community Development Specialist
Degrees & Certificates
View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.
For program requirements and full course listings, view Anthropology degrees and certificates information.
Associate in Arts for Transfer
Associate in Arts Degree
Certificate of Achievement
- Archaeological Field Work, CA
Certificate of Proficiency
- Cultural Resource Management, CP
- Medical Anthropology, CP
- Applied Anthropology, CP
- Cultural Anthropology, CP
- Forensic Anthropology, CP
- Physical Anthropology, CP
- Archaeology, CP
- Archaeological Field School, CP
Anthropology Courses at Foothill
For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.
- ANTH 1 Introduction to Biological Anthropology
- ANTH 1H Honors Introduction to Biological Anthropology
- ANTH 1HL Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory
- ANTH 1L Biological Anthropology Laboratory
- ANTH 2A Cultural Anthropology
- ANTH 2AH Honors Cultural Anthropology
- ANTH 2B Patterns of Culture
- ANTH 3 World Prehistory: The Rise & Fall of Early Civilizations
- ANTH 4 First Peoples of North America
- ANTH 5 Magic, Science & Religion
- ANTH 5H Honors Magic, Science & Religion
- ANTH 6 Perspectives from Africa
- ANTH 8 Introduction to Archaeology
- ANTH 8H Honors Introduction to Archaeology
- ANTH 12 Applied Anthropology
- ANTH 13 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
- ANTH 13L Forensic Anthropology Laboratory
- ANTH 14 Linguistic Anthropology
- ANTH 15 Medical Anthropology: Methods & Practice
- ANTH 15H Honors Medical Anthropology: Methods & Practice
- ANTH 16L Basic Archaeology Laboratory
- ANTH 17L Intermediate Archaeology Laboratory
- ANTH 20 Native Peoples of California
- ANTH 22 The Aztec, Maya, Inca & Their Predecessors: Civilizations of the Americas
- ANTH 51 Archaeology Survey
- ANTH 52 Archaeological Field Methods
- ANTH 55 Applied Cultural Anthropology Field Methods
- ANTH 56 Applied Physical Anthropology Field Methods
- ANTH 57 Applied Archaeology Field Methods
- ANTH 67A Cultures of the World: Ecuador
- ANTH 67B Cultures of the World: Belize
- ANTH 67C Cultures of the World: British Isles
- ANTH 67E Cultures of the World: Mediterranean
- ANTH 70R Independent Study in Anthropology
- ANTH 71R Independent Study in Anthropology
- ANTH 72R Independent Study in Anthropology
- ANTH 73R Independent Study in Anthropology
Experiential Learning & Community Engagement
Click on each section below to learn more about our fieldwork certificate, career pathways, and community engagement.
The Certificate of Achievement in Archaeological Field Work prepares students for entry-level positions in Cultural Resource Management (CRM), a leading employment sector in archaeology. Completion of an archaeological field school is a standard requirement for professional employment in the field and is also expected for admission to many graduate programs worldwide.
This certificate provides hands-on training in both field and laboratory settings, allowing students to actively participate in archaeological research. Coursework develops essential professional skills, including survey and excavation methods, mapping and site documentation, artifact identification, processing, and analysis.
The program also emphasizes ethical practice and community engagement. Students explore concepts such as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Indigenous archaeology, and community-based participatory research, integrating these perspectives into their field and laboratory work.
Upon completion, students are formally recognized for completing a rigorous fieldwork program and are well prepared to pursue employment opportunities with Cultural Resource Management firms across the country.
Our faculty and students are actively conducting research and learning about social science research methods in the community.
Applied anthropology is the process of doing anthropology to serve the public.
A critically important aspect of the student experience at Foothill Anthropology has been to use the much needed anthropological perspective as a way to inform people about their world.
Community outreach and K-12 education has been a hallmark of our recent work. Our Anthropology in Action program has begun to connect with local grade schools and we are working to develop many new avenues for integrating with the community, such as working with local businesses to improve cultural competence and joining with public health institutions to improve their understanding of medical anthropology.
More Resources
Ways to Experience More!
At Foothill, we offer many opportunities to get involved outside the classroom.
Gain real-world experience through paid internships with mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Build professional skills, connect coursework to careers, and work with community partners across the region.
Travel, study, and gain real-world experience through Foothill’s faculty-led global programs. Explore new cultures, earn academic credit, and participate in service learning, research, and study abroad around the world.
Showcase your ideas and creativity at Foothill’s annual symposium, where students present research, service projects, and creative work through talks, posters, performances, and art exhibitions.
Related Programs and Degrees
