Our undergraduate programs
Anthropology is a unique way of looking at past and present human societies, using concrete, practical approaches.
The interdisciplinary training offered at UdeM lets students examine issues particular to a society, a region of the world or the entire planet. It allows them to study behaviour, the variety of cultures and languages, prehistory and human development.
Students wishing to become anthropologists can study:
- Human biology and evolution (including studies of our primate ancestors)
- The emergence of traits characterizing humans' biological and cultural dimensions (paleontology, archaeology)
- Issues concerning health, well-being, psychic equilibrium and how these dimensions are linked to political and social conditions
- Various symbolic expressions of culture (texts, images, sounds, movement)
- Individual and group behaviour in determining how they diverge from idealized rules for social life (ethnology)
- Linguistic diversity and the role of language in producing and expressing culture (ethnolinguistics)
Studying anthropology is a way to acquire a multifaceted education that truly reflects 21st-century concerns and challenges.
Our programs
- Bachelor’s in Anthropology (Baccalauréat en anthropologie)
- Major in Anthropology (Majeure en anthropologie)
- Minor in Anthropology (Mineure en anthropologie)
- Indigenous Studies (Programmes en études autochtones)
Our bidisciplinary programs
- Bachelor’s in Classical Studies and Anthropology (Baccalauréat en études classiques et anthropologie)
- Bachelor’s in Demographics and Anthropology (Baccalauréat en démographie et anthropologie)
Job outlook
Anthropology graduates can work for different government departments (Education, Immigration, Culture, Indian and Northern Affairs, International Relations, etc.) and governmental and non-governmental organizations. They can co-ordinate or manage:
- Research
- Communication
- Development
- Programs
- Intercultural relations
- Community relations
They also have opportunities to work in the media or at museums.
Anthropologists may be hired as cultural mediators or resource people. As such they help citizen committees or indigenous groups to define their members' needs, so as to come up with projects and establish claims.
The anthropology job market
An undergraduate degree is not sufficient to work as a professional anthropologist, a job that requires a master's degree or PhD.
Nonetheless, organizations frequently recruit anthropology graduates even if a background in anthropology is not explicitly required for a position. In changing, evolving social contexts, your talents and expertise will stand you in good stead.
Many graduates use their training in anthropology to underscore their skills in a variety of areas, reflecting the versatility and multidisciplinary nature of anthropology. In fact, anthropology can be considered a very well-rounded general education, an excellent opportunity for reflection and personal growth.
See the section on careers in anthropology for more information.
Useful references on careers in anthropology
Here are some useful references on career options in anthropology.
In Canada
- Government of Canada National Occupational Classification: Anthropologist
- Career Opportunities in Anthropology - Rutgers University
- Careers for Undergraduates in Anthropology - University of Manitoba
- Careers in Anthropology - University of Toronto
In the United States