Welcome to the Department of Anthropology
What is anthropology?
Anthropology is the study of the origin, development, and behavior of humans, and includes three common specialties or subfields: cultural anthropology (the study of behavior and culture), archeology (the study of material human remains of the past), and biological anthropology (the study of the biological basis of human physical and behavioral variation).
Areas of Study
Archaeology
Our archaeology faculty is particularly strong in expertise on the U.S. Southeast, the Great Plains, Mesoamerica, and South America. We have strengths in GIS, remote sensing (air, space, and ground), materials science, environmental dynamics, quantitative techniques, and public archaeology.
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Biological Anthropology
Biological anthropology is broadly defined as encompassing the present and past nature and evolution of humankind and other primates. Our faculty are particularly strong in dental anthropology, biomechanics, and advanced quantitative techniques.
Learn MoreCultural Anthropology
Cultural anthropologists focus on issues such as ethnicity, gender, class, religion, and public culture as shaped by history and migration.
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Opportunities in anthropology
The Department of Anthropology at the University of Arkansas is happy to invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology to start in August 2027. For more information about the position and how to apply, click below or check out the University of Arkansas's career page.
Anthropology in the news
Global Academic Honor Places Ungar Among Leading World Scholars
University of Arkansas faculty member Peter Ungar has been recognized with one of the most prestigious international academic honors, placing him among a small group of scholars worldwide.
How Did Bronze Age Plague Spread? A Sheep Might Solve the Mystery
In the Middle Ages, a plague killed a third of Europe's population. Fleas carried the plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, transmitting the Black Death from infected rats to millions of people.