Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.

This resource is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your time at university (refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements). Develop a plan and timeline that suits you best. Make intentional choices for your courses and work experiences.

  • Photo of Harshvir Bali
  • Student spotlight

    “Keep an open mind with what you learn and discover. Talk to your professors about issues that are important to you. As you progress more into the field, you will be supplied with greater opportunities to discuss, understand and explore those issues you find important.”

    Harshvir Bali, anthropology student

Anthropology at UM

Anthropology is a science of humanity that addresses human issues both from a cultural and from a biological point of view. The narrowest concern of anthropology is the survival of humanity; its broadest is the conditions of continuity and change for all human life. While broadly educated, individual anthropologists generally specialize in a particular approach to this whole view of humanity. The Department of Anthropology has many opportunities for you to explore, with four sub-disciplines of study:

  1. Cultural Anthropology: Cultural Anthropology or Ethnology systematically compares diverse cultures and societies around the world, from small groups of Arctic hunters to complex industrial nations. The objective is to understand the complex conditions and consequences of environmental, social, economic, political and cultural changes rapidly altering our world.
  2. Archaeology: Archaeology deals with the reconstruction of past ways of human life through the recovery and analysis of artifacts and other material remains from past cultures. Archaeologists help us understand processes such as domestication, ancient urbanization, and long-distance trading. Archaeologists often require special training in zoology, botany, and/or history.
  3. Bio/Physical Anthropology: Biological or Physical Anthropology is concerned with the evolution of the human species, and the biological characteristics of past and present human populations. Today, there are new opportunities to bridge the division between the cultural and biological points of view, especially in the area of medical anthropology. Training in human biology as well as human social life and in a range of cultures both past and present uniquely equips anthropologists to research the human condition.
  4. Linguistic Anthropology: Anthropological Linguistics is the study of language as the primary mechanism of human communication. This sub-discipline is offered primarily through the Department of Linguistics.

Skills you will gain by studying ANTHROPOLOGY

  • An understanding of human behaviours and how they are affected by biological, ecological and cultural factors
  • The ability to describe, understand and predict human behaviours using quantitative and qualitative methods
  • The ability to analyze the root causes of social problems and work towards solutions with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds
  • The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
ANTH 1210 and ANTH 1220

To do this year:

  1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor to help you plan your program.
  2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS


Start planning your career:

  1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
  2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
  3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
  4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

  1. Student groups including the University of Manitoba Anthropology Students’ Association and Arts Student Body Council.
  2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
  3. Student work opportunities including Work-StudySTEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
  4. Experiential education opportunities such as Community Engaged Learning programs.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Considering international opportunities? Visit the Language Centre and check out the International Centre website to learn more international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
ANTH 2000ANTH 2100ANTH 2860 and ANTH 2020 or ANTH 2530

To do this year:

  1. Should you follow a 3-or 4-year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
  2. Take ANTH 2370 as one of your elective courses.
  3. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS


Make professional connections:

  1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
  2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
  3. Become a Student Affiliate with associations such as the Canadian Anthropology Association and/or Manitoba Archaeological Society.
  4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position or Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Manitoba Museum, and social service agencies.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange, Tel Burna Excavation ProjectMy World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out the Archaeological Field School or WUSC Student Refugee Program. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

 

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
General: 12 credit hours of ANTH at the 2000 level and above including at least 6 credit hours at 3000 or 4000 level

Honours or advanced: ANTH 3470 plus additional required courses

To do this year:

  1. Meet with anthropology advisor for honours program approval.
  2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS


Investigate your career options:

  1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
  2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
  3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for EntrepreneurshipWorld Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
  4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate StudiesExtended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Canadian Border Services AgencyParks Canada, social service agencies and market research firms

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job BankFind My JobIndeed or Canadian Heritage Information Network.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

Year 4 - 120 credit hours

ACADEMIC SUCCESS


Course requirements:
ANTH 4850 plus additional required courses

To do this year:

  1. Meet with an anthropology advisor for honours program approval.
  2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS


Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE


Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Present your research at the Canadian Anthropology Society’s Annual Conference.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES


Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or explore Manitoba Start which offers events and free workshops for newcomers to assist their job search.

What do employers want?

Industries such as education, government, heritage and social services would value an anthropology major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

  • Oral and written communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Numeracy and data use
  • Digital technology
  • Industry specific knowledge
  • Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000+ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Get one-on-one help

  • Meet with a career consultant

    Meet with a career consultant for a confidential discussion about your career goals, job search, resumé/CV and interview preparation.

    Contact Career Services at cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-9456 to make an appointment.

  • Talk to an academic advisor

    Talk to an academic advisor who will guide you to resources to help you make important decisions for your future. Advisors are specialized, often by program, faculty/school or unit.

    Find your advisor

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Use Career Compass as a guide to develop a strong connection between your studies and your occupational choices. It will provide you with suggestions for academic and career planning specific to your program.

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Contact us

Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Arts
432 Fletcher Argue Building
15 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-9361