Anthropology at NIU
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Explore human connections and creations across time.

Anthropologists search for clues about the past in order to understand the present and inform the future. By studying anthropology, you'll gain in-depth knowledge of the study of humans and an appreciation for our cultural diversity. You can get hands-on experience in our Pick Museum of Anthropology, which offers many opportunities for research.

Meet Leila Porter, an anthropology professor whose goal is to establish “an international network of faculty and students working to protect endangered primates and other wildlife in the Bolivian tropics.”

ApplyFind Anthropology Scholarships

What Can I Do With an Anthropology Degree From NIU?

Your degree will prepare you to excel in our multicultural world and global economy, in areas like teaching, research and nonprofit management. Businesses are also relying more on anthropological research to connect with consumers, increasing access to jobs in the corporate world.

Top skills reported by alumni:

  • Business development
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Nonprofit organization
  • Research

Top fields alumni work in:

  • Arts and entertainment
  • Education
  • Consulting
  • Information technology
  • Research

Career Potential for NIU Anthropology Majors

Average mid-career salary:

$77,936

Top employers include:

  • Apple
  • Argonne National Laboratory
  • Ascension
  • Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
  • Walgreens

Job titles include:

  • Account executive
  • Manager
  • Marketing director
  • Owner
  • Supervisor

Source: Steppingblocks, 2023

What to Expect as an Anthropology Major at NIU

As you explore the linguistic, biological and cultural aspects of anthropology, you'll have many opportunities to get involved. You can work with professors who conduct research in places like Madagascar, Kenya and Italy, or visit museums and go camping with the Anthropology Club.

Explore anthropology courses.

How We’ll Help You Succeed

Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.

Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).

Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.

With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.

Apply to NIU

First-year Students
(Freshman)

High School GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ACT/SAT SCORES

Not considered.

We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.

First-Year Application

Add us to your common app list

First-Year Application

Add us to your common app list

Transfer Students

ALL COLLEGES GPA

2.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed general NIU admission.

ALL COLLEGES GPA

3.0 or higher?

You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship
.

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

See how your credits transfer

Apply to NIU as a Transfer Student

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