INTERESTED IN ANTHROPOLOGY? INTERESTED INEQUALITY?
Anthropology is the holistic study of humankind, across geographic space and evolutionary/historical time. Divided into the subfields of cultural and linguistic anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology, Anthropology explores our cultural, linguistic, and biological diversity, and how our lives are shaped by historical, social, political, and environmental contexts. At New Paltz, we emphasize how structures of inequality impact human bodies, material products, and lifeways, and how inequality shapes the distribution of resources, opportunities for health and wellbeing, and access to various forms of power for human populations.
At New Paltz, Anthropology students are exposed to diverse case studies from around the world and trained in a range of theoretical traditions and research methodologies. Students can study Anthropology as a major, as a minor, or through our general education courses. Majors choose either a general course of study or a concentration in Gender, Health and the Body or Representation and Identity. You can find detailed information about the major in this document - Requirements and Concentrations - and about the minor here.
Through classroom instruction, experiential learning, and research opportunities, we cultivate a deep appreciation for the complexity of human societies and train students to be critical thinkers, capable researchers, and responsible citizens. Our curriculum emphasizes outside-the-classroom participation, including departmental events, professional development, and research ethics certification. We prepare students for diverse post-graduation paths, including graduate study, teaching, community organizing, business, law, health-related fields, public service, forensics, environmental sustainability, and cultural resource management.
Anthropology envisions a world where the understanding of human diversity fosters mutual respect, ethical engagement, and collaborative solutions to global challenges. Our program values diversity, equity, and inclusion as central tenets of our teaching and research practices. We prioritize a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
Learn more about our program, events, and opportunities for students at our companion site, the SUNY New Paltz Anthropology Commons.
Join us at SUNY New Paltz to explore what it means to be human, from our ancient ancestors to today's global communities, and make meaningful contributions to understanding human cultural diversity and inequality!
Meet the Faculty
View the department directory for our faculty's contact information, research interests, and more.
An Alum's Perspective: Fran Mascia-Lees ’76
Professor of Anthropology, Rutgers University
"A rich and broad undergraduate education at New Paltz was the basis on which I have built a career in anthropology over the last 40 years."
Check out our Alumni page for anthropology alumni news and updates!
Contact Us
Office Location: Wooster Hall 319
Mail Address: Department of Anthropology
SUNY New Paltz
600 Hawk Drive WH 319
New Paltz, NY 12561-2443
Phone: 845-257-2990
Fax: 845-257-2984
Department Chair: Benjamin Junge, jungeb@newpaltz.edu
Department Secretary: Susan Buckbee, buckbees@newpaltz.edu
