The Department of Anthropology actively engages students with questions about the biocultural nature of humans and the contexts that shape and transform human behavior and practices. We are committed to cultivating the knowledge and skills to participate in current debates within the public sphere, and critically engage in creating a more just, interconnected world. At William Paterson, we provide students with active learning opportunities and applied experiences inside and outside the classroom, immerse students in various possibilities of engagement as public anthropologists, and support faculty efforts in teaching, research, and public engagement and service.

In this program, students will be provided a comprehensive understanding of human nature and humankind. The program takes the broadest view of what it means to be human, integrating the study of biology and culture, history and cross-cultural comparison, system and conjuncture. With its global perspective and holistic approach, anthropology not only provides a solid liberal arts education, but prepares students for a wide range of jobs and careers. A major in anthropology allows students to develop a special awareness of the complexity of human nature, culture and cultural differences, and equips them with a variety of methods to address basic human processes and problems.