Anthropology, BA

"I chose Anthropology because I wanted a degree that would make me a well-rounded, compassionate and analytical professional. Here at WVU, we have so many research opportunities, like the Archaeology Lab, which I have recently gotten a lot more involved in. The professors here really make a difference too. They are all so excited to talk about their work and are so willing to help out with any research you are interested in. A degree in Anthropology also opens up a myriad of career opportunities, which I am so excited to explore further."

Olivia Durst

I chose to major in Anthropology at WVU because it offers a unique lens to explore human cultures, histories, and the complexities of societies.

Madison Hapak

"My experience with Anthropology at WVU was nothing short of an adventure. The faculty really invest their time in providing endless opportunities for their students."

Bryan Hill

"Anthropology, to me, is an exercise in empathy and humility. The more you learn, the more you see how interconnected our lives are. It is easy to feel small as 1 among 8 billion, but anthropology shows that every culture, every person, is part of a larger story. It is not just about studying the past. It is about understanding what it means to be human and how we can shape a better future. Choosing to study Anthropology at WVU was 1 of the best decisions I have made, and I am constantly reminded of how much the professors and advisers truly care about their students' success."

Jacob Smertneck

"I chose anthropology because I think it is important to understand how people think, learn, and connect across different cultures. I chose Anthropology here at West Virginia University because I have always been intrigued by the past and how it shapes our present and future. Anthropology is a lens into the past for many people in society that do not get their stories told. I believe it is important to recognize cultures and societies that are often forgotten to show their value in history. Celebrating cultural differences and unique experiences can teach us new worldviews. By studying anthropology, I hope to uncover untold stories to ensure that they can be valued and appreciated in the future."

Emma Snyder

"I am currently the operational designer of several dual admission partnerships across Virginia, serving predominately low-income, first-generation and minority-majority student populations. The programs foster greater access to higher education and actively reduce institutional and financial barriers to bachelor’s degree attainment. The foundation I received at WVU in feminist, anthropological and sociological theories continues to inform my daily praxis by using concepts including social location, intersectionality, power, privilege and oppression while working within one of the largest social institutions influencing equality and social change. The incredible faculty and valuable education I received nurtured my passion for understanding social issues and gave me the tools requisite to dedicate my career to educational equity."

Rita Alcala (Snyder Furr)

BS, Women's and Gender Studies; Anthropology and Sociology Concentration, 2010

"While pursuing my Bachelor of Arts at WVU, I took advantage of the various courses offered through the Sociology and Anthropology program. Some courses I found truly exciting included Biological and Cultural Anthropology, Latin American Cultures, and Archaeology of Ancient States. These courses allowed me to further explore my interest in anthropology and find my passion for biological anthropology. Shortly after graduation, I was offered a TA position for the human osteology course. In the last few years, I have continued my academic career to understand how biological stress and socio-cultural environments have impacted human biology. My interests have provided me with great insight into human tissue recovery. Through tissue recovery, I can apply my knowledge of human anatomy and anthropological frameworks from a clinical perspective."

Amanda Goush

BA, Anthropology, 2017

"Studying Anthropology at WVU gave me the opportunity to explore my interests and learn about the many applications of research. The chance to develop my own focus and the support of my instructors gave me the confidence to pursue my master's in social work at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice, where I am building on the academic foundation I received at WVU."

Amanda Mahany

BA, Anthropology, 2023

"The WVU Anthropology Department helped direct me to a career path that I was excited about. As a small-town West Virginian, anthropology was an unknown discipline, but within the first introductory class, I was ready to change my major and pursue a degree in anthropology and continue into a graduate program focused in archaeology. I now work as an archaeologist for the West Virginia Division of Highways helping manage the state’s cultural resources on highway projects."

Wesley Nelson

BA, Anthropology, 2022

"As a first-gen student hailing from worlds where people never have the opportunity for college, receiving close mentorship as an undergraduate led me to develop an incredible trajectory of research and scholarship. Anthropology transformed my world. It spoke a grammar that resonated with my lived experiences. Genesis Snyder broke open that world for me, and Daniel Renfrew and the McNair Scholar’s program at WVU carried me along that path and are some of the reasons I am an anthropology professor now."

Andrés Romero

BA, Anthropology and World Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, 2012

"Studying Anthropology at WVU has allowed me to take a human-centered approach in a very technical field. Without this background, I would not have found my current niche of cyber user behavior."

Chelsea Schroeder

BA, Sociology and Anthropology, Anthropology area of emphasis, 2014

"WVU provided me with a well-rounded education that allowed me to explore many potential career options before finding my path in archaeology, which was an easy choice after completing my first field school. To this day, I am still intrigued by the work I get to do, and I am grateful for the faculty who helped guide me here."

Christopher Swisher, MA, RPA

BA, Sociology and Anthropology, Anthropology area of emphasis, 2023