Anthropology is the study of humankind over the entire world and throughout time. Anthropologists study existing cultures and human behavior (cultural anthropology), traditions (folklore), prehistoric cultures and lifeways (archaeology), the biological makeup and evolution of humans (physical anthropology), and the origin and nature of language (linguistics).  Texas A&M University began an academic and research program in Anthropology in 1971. Today there are twenty-three full time faculty members and several full time research staff members.

The Anthropology Department has 120 undergraduate majors working toward BA degrees. We offer over thirty undergraduate courses in physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and folklore. The Anthropological Society schedules events and activities of interest to graduate and undergraduate anthropology students.

In addition, the Department offers over thirty graduate courses to more than 100 students working on PhD and MA degrees.

The graduate program in Nautical Archaeology offers PhD and MA degrees in with a focus on the archaeology of shipwreck sites all over the world.

Click here for the Archaeology Program Graduate Student Reference Manual.

In addition to teaching Anthropology courses, our faculty members are also busy conducting a variety of research projects in various parts of the world. Affiliated with the department are three research institutes, the Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation, the Institute of Nautical Archaeology and the Center for the Study of the First Americans.

The Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation (CMAC) is one of two centers supporting the academic mission of the Department of Anthropology. CMAC conducts underwater archaeology excavations in conjunction with the Institute of Nautical Archaeology and performs contract work for archaeological agencies throughout the United States in artifact conservation, ship model construction, and 3-D graphic imaging through the specialized laboratories that are an integral part of the Center.

The Institute of Nautical Archaeology supports field investigations around the world. Its mission includes conducting significant archaeological research that will increase knowledge of the evolution of civilizations through the location and excavation of submerged or buried ships, submerged ruins, and their associated artifacts, and dissemination of the knowledge gained.

The mission of the Center for the Study of the First Americans is the promotion of interdisciplinary scholarly dialogue and the stimulation of public interest on the subject of the Peopling of the Americas through research, education and outreach.