College of Western Idaho's Anthropology Club is a forum for students to explore anthropology and build meaningful relationships with others in the field. We sponsor speakers, field trips, interactive group events, and other opportunities that...
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Overview
The study of Anthropology provides students with the academic foundation necessary to understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience from a holistic approach. Students will learn to ask challenging questions, engage critically with the material, utilize statistical analysis, and appreciate the interconnected relationship between humans and the environment from an evolutionary perspective.
This program prepares students to transfer to a four-year institution for further studies with a strong background in problem-based research, technical writing, communication, and presentation skills, as well as an introduction to GIS technology (Geographic Informational Systems). Program coursework is supplemented by opportunities to engage in archeological and ethnographic fieldwork with state and local partners. Completion of the following courses is designed to result in an Associate of Arts degree and meets the general-education requirements at all Idaho public universities. Course selection should be coordinated to meet requirements for your intended transfer institution (if known).
Mission
The CWI Anthropology program provides students the academic foundation necessary to understand the diversity and complexity of the human experience. The program prepares students to transfer to a four-year institution for further studies with a strong background in research, writing, and communication skills supplemented by opportunities to engage in fieldwork.
Why This Program
Anthropologists work in a variety of contexts including but not limited to: CRM (cultural resource management), museum collections, archaeological surveys, colleges and universities, state and federal agencies, non-profit associations and NGOs (non-governmental organizations), corporations (business anthropology), criminal justice (forensic anthropology), and healthcare (medical anthropology). Research and communication skills, along with diversity awareness training and bilingualism, are increasingly valued in a globalized marketplace, which make anthropologists uniquely equipped for future employment in a number of fields and industries.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Understand the field of anthropology through analysis and reflection on the discipline’s sub-fields, history, methods and terminology
- Demonstrate conceptual and factual knowledge of the sub-fields, historical origins and conceptual frameworks used in anthropology
- Identify and analyze data in a variety of contexts associated with the field of anthropology
- Synthesize and present data and findings in a variety of written and oral formats
- Demonstrate awareness of the diversity of human behaviors from prehistory to the present
- Identify and analyze the diversity of the human response to environmental and economic changes
- Synthesize and present knowledge of the diversity of human behavior both spatially and contextually
Clubs
Additional Opportunities
Both internships and field trip/field experiences are available to ANTH students, giving them a sense of what careers are available, as well as the excitement of anthropological and archeological research. Past students have attended the University of Idaho’s Field School, visited archeological and anthropological sites in Idaho and Oregon, and experienced the Basque Museum.
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Anthropology - Associate of Arts Degree
2
YEARSAA
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options
Important Dates for Credit Programs
Summer 2022 | Fall 2022 | Spring 2023 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins1 | n/a | April 11 | November 14 | |
Open Registration Begins | February 28 | April 18 | November 21 | |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 14 | July 30 | December 17 | |
Admission Deadline2 | May 28 | August 13 | January 7 | |
Last Day to Register for Classes | June 3 | August 19 | January 13 | |
Tuition and Fees Due | June 3 | August 19 | January 13 | |
Classes Begin3 | June 6 | August 22 | January 17 | |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based upon their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time. | ||||
2 The admission deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines for the fall and spring semesters. | ||||
3 Some classes begin before or after this date. Please refer to the Registration and Refund Deadlines by Class Section Dates (located beneath each semester) of the Academic Calendar for more information. |
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Students who complete the GIS certificate at CWI can request direction of GIS courses to fulfill the Skill Requirement in the Anthropology BS degree with an academic adjustment approved by the Chair of Anthropology at Boise State University.
Connecting With Ideas
Connecting With Ideas (CWID 101) is the first semester student success course designed to help CWI students become engaged members of the academic community and cultivate habits for lifelong achievement and success. Each semester, students can select from a variety of themes. More information about next semesters CWID 101 themes
Transfer
Look beyond your degree at CWI and plan for continuing your education by working closely with CWI advising and representatives of your intended transfer school. Planning before you transfer can save you time and money. Visit Transfer Information for more information or contact One Stop Student Services.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
For further information on careers in Anthropology see: http://www.aaanet.org/profdev/careers
Professions
- Education / Outreach
- Archeology
- Cultural Resource Management (CRM)
- Historic Preservation
- Museum / Curation / Project Design
- Community Development
- Advocacy (human rights / social justice)
- Human / Social Services
- Computers / Software Development / Information Technology
- Design (products and/or services)
- International Development / Affairs
- Forensics
- Administration / Management
- Ethnography / Cultural Anthropology
- Evaluation / Assessment
- Health (international / public health)
- Environment and Natural Resources
- Business
- Tourism / Heritage
- Healthcare Management / Services / Deliver
- Management Consulting / Organizational Development / Training
- Social Impact Assessment
- Market Research
- Law / Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement
- Mass Communication
- Humanitarian Efforts
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

Join CWI Anthropology Professor, Nikki Gorrell, Tuesday, March 10, for a discussion on her fieldwork in Mayan communities.

Congratulations to Kathy Guthrie, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for July 2019.

Students at Compass Public Charter School participate in College of Western Idaho Anthropology Club’s inaugural Adventure Race.

"CWI empowered me by showing me I am smart, outgoing, and able to do so many more things than I thought I could.”

Faculty who teach General Education courses recognized for exemplary teaching, creativity, excellence, delivery, and service.

Beading Workshop participants honor Native American artistry and tradition by making dream catchers.
Academic Transfer
- Agriculture Business, Leadership, and Education
- Animal Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant
- Business
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Education, Elementary
- Education, Secondary
- Engineering
- English
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Exercise Science
- General Education
- Geographic Information Systems
- Geography
- Geosciences
- Health Science and Public Health
- History
- Liberal Arts
- Mathematics
- Media Arts
- Military Science (Army ROTC)
- Nursing, Professional
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
- Sign Language Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Studio Art
- Transportation Management