Anthropology at the University of Florida
The Department of Anthropology at the University of Florida is ranked as one of the best in the country. There are over forty anthropologists on campus. In addition to the teaching faculty, anthropologists hold appointments at the College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the Florida Museum of Natural History, and the C. A. Pound Human Identification Lab. Anthropology at the University of Florida is especially strong in Latin American Studies, African Studies, Southeastern Archaeology, Applied Anthropology, and Forensic Anthropology. Course offerings reflect the diverse expertise of the faculty.
Anthropology in the Gator Nation
In 2005-2006 Prof. Maxine Margolis embarked on a project to find all of our PhD students since the first doctoral degrees were awarded in 1971. Thanks to her efforts, we can now state more conclusively the impact UF Anthropology has had on Florida, the nation, and the world just through its PhD graduates.
Anthropology and Professional Careers
The University of Florida Department of Anthropology is an applied department. Undergraduates and graduates have opportunities to study and do research in local communities on projects such as health care, environmental policy, applied archaeology, to name a few. An undergraduate degree in anthropology at Florida stresses the uses of anthropology and practical opportunities to experience anthropology first hand through archaeological field schools, lab internships, study abroad programs, and individual research.
Not all undergraduates who major in anthropology intend to pursue graduate studies. Some students choose anthropology because of the unique combination of culture, biology, and geographic diversity that anthropology offers. Others hope to pursue studies in professional programs at the University of Florida or other institutions in the fields of law, medicine, education, library science, public affairs, urban planning.
Those major planning to enter one of the professional colleges should seek counseling from the Office of Health and Legal Professions at the Academic Advising Center. Other resources regarding graduate work and career planning can be found at the Career Counseling Center in the Reitz Union.
Those who are considering careers as professional anthropologists should consult with Department faculty about opportunities for graduate study at the University of Florida or at other institutions. In the past many professional anthropologists obtained a Ph.D. degree in anthropology with a concentration in one of the four subfields. These individuals were employed as professors or museum curators. Today, more opportunities are available with a master's degree in anthropology.
