The Department of Anthropology is dedicated to better understanding human cultural and biological origins and diversity through education and research. The faculty is committed to excellence in teaching and to the advancement of knowledge through local, national, and international programs of research.

Anthropology, the study of humans, includes sociocultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology. The Department is distinctive in its integration of these subfields via five areas of expertise and focus: Evolution, ecology and environment; Sex, gender and sexuality; Indigenous and minoritized groups; Food, health, and society; Identity, heritage and globalization.