Specialized courses are offered in medical anthropology, applied anthropology, historic archaeology, nutrition, sexuality, economic development, ethnic studies in the United States, and cultural reconstruction from symbolic behavior.

Topics are cast in a comparative, often global purview, and students view human problems such as hunger, religious conflict, sexism, racism, and inequality from the anthropological perspective.

The programs are designed to develop students concern and knowledge about current world problems and to provide them with skills and experience needed to enter professional careers in applied social sciences or to continue advanced training in the anthropological subdisciplines, law, public health, or other professional fields.