Explore and study the various aspects of human beings and discover your interests and niche in the field of anthropology in College of Western Idaho's Anthropology Club. Through participation in field trips, interactive events, and guest...
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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
Explore the resources below for information, dates, and deadlines related to admissions, financial aid, registration, and next steps.
Dates & Deadlines for Credit Programs | Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins 1 | N/A | Apr 10 | Nov 13 (2023) |
Open Registration Begins | Feb 27 | Apr 17 | Nov 20 (2023) |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | Jul 29 | Dec 16 (2023) |
Admission Deadline 2 | May 27 | Aug 12 | Jan 6 |
Last Day to Register for Classes | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Tuition and Fees Due | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Classes Begin 3 | Jun 5 | Aug 21 | Jan 16 |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on 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.
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the specific class session sections beneath the full 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 (CWI 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 CWI 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
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
For further information on careers in Anthropology see: http://www.aaanet.org/profdev/careers
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
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

Learn more about how the ancient Maya constructed their buildings, temples, and other architecture at a guest presentation hosted by CWI’s Anthropology Club and program.

Former tribal Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, Darren Parry, visited College of Western Idaho for a presentation on the 160th anniversary of the Bear River Massacre.

College of Western Idaho Anthropology Club, School of Arts and Humanities, School of Social Sciences and Public Affairs, and Inclusive Excellence Committee are hosting former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation Darren Parry in an evening of remembrance on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

Seventy students, professors, and industry professionals from around the Gem State were at College of Western Idaho this past weekend for the 48th Annual Idaho Archeological Society Conference.

College of Western Idaho’s Anthropology Club will host the 48th Annual Idaho Archeological Society Conference on Saturday, Oct. 22. It is free and open to the public.

College of Western Idaho’s Anthropology Club has teamed up the Bureau of Land Management to connect people, culture, ecology, and stewardship and preservation of public lands and waterways to younger generations at a local Boise school.
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, Registered
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
- Sign Language Studies
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Studio Art