Anthropologists study cultures — both tribal and urban, current and past — looking
specifically at how a culture’s use of art, language and traditions as well as its
behavioral and biological features make them human. CBU’s program focuses on how anthropology
can be applied in the real world to solve actual, human problems. Our faculty are
skilled, experienced anthropologists who will ready students for careers and graduate
degrees, and we also offer internships to provide the experience needed to work in
the field.
Gain a holistic view of human behavior Students learn traditional anthropology application and research methods in a distinctly
Christian program, considering the human as physical, psychological and spiritual.
We do not compromise the discipline but include a distinct faith element which helps
us more clearly understand human behavior from a creation perspective.
Be mentored by experienced anthropologists Our faculty are skilled, experienced anthropologists who are dedicated to students’
academic and professional success. They spend time with students one-on-one and partner
with them for activities and learning through the Anthropology Club. We absolutely
love our students. We are able to invest in them individually because we are a small
major and our classes are mostly discussion based.
Work in the field We have just begun a unique partnership with the Riverside Metropolitan Museum where
our students will work with them exclusively to redesign their museum in the coming
years while learning about museum studies and artifact preservation. We often go to
anthropology-discipline specific conventions all over the U.S. and sometimes in Canada.
Culture and Personality
ANT 430
This course focuses on the interaction between personal patterns of behavior and social
influences, paying particular attention to media influence and a history of social
and psychological perspectives.
Religion and Culture
ANT 460
This course examines an anthropological approach to religion and magic, and its relationship
to symbolism, myths, sacred spaces, and rituals.
Family and Gender Studies
ANT 450
Focusing on a diversity of family systems, both modern and historic, students will
explore the tangible roles family and gender play in everyday life throughout the
world.
Content, knowledge and skills consistent with the American Anthropological Association:
To articulate the theories, concepts and terms of the four fields in anthropology:
culture, biology, archeology, linguistics
To apply the foundational tenants of anthropology including: cultural relativism versus
ethnocentrism, an integrated and holistic perspective to culture and an etic versus
emic approach to studying culture
To recognize the core anthropologists and their contributions in the development of
the discipline including Franz Boas, Branislow Malinowski, Margaret Mead, Ruth Benedict,
and Don Johanson
Take the next step toward living your purpose
As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational
experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and
fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do
more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training
and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.
Apply today! When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and
knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and
all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.
Request More Information
Career Opportunities
International Business Consultant
Urban Planner
Tourism or Heritage Worker
Market Researcher
Medical Field Worker
Ethnologist
Relief and Development Worker
International Business Liaison
Travel Writer
Teacher
Cross-cultural Facilitator
*Some career opportunities may require further education
"The professors actually care and I can see myself steadily improving and actually
applying the things I learn in my everyday life. I'm interested in different cultures
and this program has exposed me to different people and opinions, so come time to
interact in the real world, I'll be equipped." Eleshea Goff, 2020
"I am really interested in how culture makes people the way they are. The professors
here are so knowledgeable and passionate about their field. They have really changed
the way I see the world." Tori Biesboer, 2020
"I decided to major in anthropology because I want to become a nurse and help people
groups and individuals who are often misunderstood and neglected in the medical field.
I like the intimacy of the program. There is a small cohort in this program with individuals
who all think within the same realm, yet all bring something different to the table." Adriana Jovanov, 2020
Alumni Spotlight
"I am a middle school Spanish teacher and every day I interact with students, parents,
and teachers from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and I truly believe I have more
empathy and understanding with them because of my years studying anthropology at CBU." Becca Shoup, 2017
"Studying anthropology in a public college was very challenging because I felt that
my religious beliefs were always being questioned. At CBU, I was so excited that I
got to learn a lot from both worlds and compare and contrast creationism vs. evolutionism." Keren Sandoval, 2014
Meet Some of Our Faculty
Bruce Stokes
Professor of Anthropology
My field of anthropology connects with all aspects of human behavior and thought.
There is nothing beyond the interest of an anthropologist. My ethnographic research
of the Messianic Jewish Movement has allowed me to travel around the world and especially
in Israel. For the anthropologist, the world is our laboratory. If I stay curious
and eager to learn, the students catch that and follow in kind.
I am an urban cultural anthropologist interested in immigration and labor, cultural
change, and gender, race, and identity issues. Currently, I am working with a group
of day-laborers in Southern California as they face many challenges in the US. I have
been at CBU for nearly 10 years and it gets better every year as I see students really
take hold of their lives and apply anthro concepts as part of their journey.
My field of anthropology connects with all aspects of human behavior and thought.
There is nothing beyond the interest of an anthropologist. My ethnographic research
of the Messianic Jewish Movement has allowed me to travel around the world and especially
in Israel. For the anthropologist, the world is our laboratory. If I stay curious
and eager to learn, the students catch that and follow in kind.
I am an urban cultural anthropologist interested in immigration and labor, cultural
change, and gender, race, and identity issues. Currently, I am working with a group
of day-laborers in Southern California as they face many challenges in the US. I have
been at CBU for nearly 10 years and it gets better every year as I see students really
take hold of their lives and apply anthro concepts as part of their journey.
