Undergraduate Programs

BS in Biological Anthropology

The George Washington University has always had a strong focus in biological (physical) anthropology, supported by close connections with the Smithsonian. Because of its emphasis on the sciences, students in this major will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Anthropology. Compared to the general Anthropology major, the BS in Biological Anthropology requires fewer second-group anthropology courses (101-200), additional science training, and a greater focus on the biological aspects of anthropology. There is no language requirement outside the General Curriculum Requirements.

Students may not double-major in Anthropology and Biological Anthropology; they may double-major in Archaeology and Biological Anthropology, but second-group courses cannot count towards both majors.

Program requirements

1. Introductory courses (21 hours). Anth 1, 2, 3, and 4, BiSc 13-14 (formerly 11-12) or equivalent biology courses with labs (8 hours)
   
2. Second-Group Biological Anthropology Courses (4 courses; 12 or more hours). Choose from Anth 114, 141, 142, 143, 145/146, 147, 148, 149, 181, 183.
   
3. Other Second-Group Courses in Sociocultural or Linguistic Anthropology (2 courses; 6 or more hours). Any two or more of Anth 130, 150-93 (excluding Anth 180s)
   
4. Second-Group Biology Courses (8 or more hours). Any two or more courses (8 hour minimum) in BiSc 102-4, 107-9, 114-128, 132, 137, 150-5, 181, 183, or other approved courses.
   Students should select second-group courses from at least two different areas of biology: (a) cell and molecular biology (BiSc 102-129), and (b) organismal, evolutionary, and ecological biology (BiSc 130-169).
   
5. Other Science Course (3 or more hours). Any one or more courses (3 hour min.) in chemistry, geology, forensic science, mathematics, statistics, or cognitive or neuropsychology.
   
6. No language requirement.

Special Honorsin Biological Anthropology. Students who meet the CCAS requirements for special honors are encouraged to undertake a thesis research project in their senior year. Such students should take 3 or more hours of Anth 195 (Undergraduate Research). See the Department flyer or click here.

The biological anthropology advisors are Robin Bernstein (students A-M), 994-4255, robinb@gwu.edu and Chet Sherwood (students N-Z), 994-6346, sherwood@gwu.edu

Minor in biological anthropology

Get a copy of the Biological Anthropology Major flyer.

Click here to go to the Anthropology course descriptions.