10 Top Double Majors With an Anthropology Degree

Anthropology is the study of humanity, including culture, biology, and social behavior. It sets the foundation for many different areas of study.

Because of this, there are a variety of majors that pair well with anthropology. Below, we've listed some of the best double majors with anthropology.

Anthropology Double Majors

Anthropology degrees often cover four key areas of anthropology: archeology, bioarchaeology, evolutionary anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology. As a result, there are many majors that pair well with anthropology. We've listed some of the best double majors with anthropology below.

History

History is the study of the past, and often has strong ties to anthropology. History programs often offer courses covering specific periods of history or specific societies and cultures in history.

A history degree is an excellent double major for anthropology students who want to focus on archeology. It's also great for those wanting to go into research or academia.

Biology

Biology majors learn about living organisms and their life processes. Their coursework typically covers topics like:

• ecology
• genetics
• molecular biology
• organic chemistry

Biology is a good double major for anthropology students wanting to pursue bioarchaeology or evolutionary anthropology. These fields examine how biology has changed throughout history and between cultures.

Forensic Science

Forensic science is the application of science to the legal system. Some forensic scientists work as crime scene investigators, while others analyze evidence in a laboratory setting.

Double majoring in forensic science and anthropology can set you up for a career in forensic anthropology. Forensic anthropologists study things like mass graves and disaster areas, but can also apply their skills to modern crime scenes as well.

Criminology

Criminology is the study of criminal behavior. It examines the types of people who commit crimes and why they commit crimes. It's slightly different from criminal justice, which focuses on the legal system and law enforcement. Topics covered include:

• abnormal psychology
• criminal justice policies
• criminal law
• forensic psychology

Criminology is another good double major for forensic anthropology. It can also give you a niche specialty in studying crime and culture.

Sociology

Sociology studies the relationship between individuals and societies and is a field of social sciences closely related to anthropology. Common topics examined in sociology programs include:

• human behavior
• race and ethinic relations
• religion
• urban development

With a double major in sociology and anthropology, you'll understand human behavior, history, and biology. This is a great addition to prepare students for grad school, archeology, research, or academia.

Gender and Women's Studies

Gender and women's studies is a major that examines the impact of gender on individuals and society and vice versa. They may look at the role of women and gender in:

• art
• literature
• history
• media

A double major in gender and women's studies is great for anthropologists who want to study culture with an emphasis on gender. It works well for those wanting to go into archeology or research fields.

Linguistics

In a linguistics major, you'll learn how language develops and evolves throughout history. Topics covered in these programs may include:

• language development
• language learning
• language and society
• language structures

Because language is often influenced by culture, this is an excellent double major with anthropology. Students who double major in linguistics and anthropology will bring a unique perspective to archeology and research.

Public Policy

Public policy refers to how government policies impact the people, and how the people influence government policies. Courses cover topics like:

• data analytics
• economics
• political science
• social welfare

By pursuing a double major in public policy and anthropology, you'll gain an understanding of how culture and government intersect. This can help propel you into public policy careers.

Geology

Geology is the study of the earth's composition and structure. Geology majors often take courses focused on areas like:

• data science
• environmental geochemistry
• physical geology
• research methods

Often, the geology of the earth can tell us just as much as the artifacts found inside of it. An anthropology and geology double major will be able to understand archeological findings in a comprehensive way.

Art

Art majors often study not just how to make art, but the history of art and the evolution of art styles over the centuries. They often cover different methods of making art, different time periods of art, and art from different cultures.

Anthropologists know that art can say a lot about a culture and the time they lived in. By double majoring in anthropology and art, you'll have advanced knowledge for archeology and culture research.

What Is a Double Major?

A double major means someone is earning a single degree, but they're pursuing two majors for that degree. These are often majors that are similar but not exactly the same.

Double major students must complete course requirements for both majors. With careful planning, this can be done with the same amount of credits and in the same timeframe as a single major.

Double Major vs. Dual Degree

A dual degree is for students earning two separate degrees. Unlike a double major, students will need to fulfill all requirements, including final projects, for both degrees, which takes longer than a double major.

Some students earn dual degrees at the same level, while others earn bachelor's-to-master's dual degrees. These degrees allow students to earn both their bachelor's and master's in closely related majors in less time than it would take to earn each degree individually.

FAQs About Double Majoring With Anthropology

Below, we've answered frequently asked questions about double majoring in anthropology.

Can You Double Major With Anthropology?

You can double major with anthropology. Double majoring can help you increase your knowledge in a particular facet of anthropology or give you a broader view for other career paths.

Is a Double Major With Anthropology Worth It?

Many students find a double major with anthropology to be worth it, especially if the double major allows them to learn more about a niche field of anthropology. This can make you particularly valuable in some careers.

What Are the Benefits of Double Majoring With Anthropology?

The biggest benefit to double majoring with anthropology is it can help you with your career. Some double majors can lead you to particular fields of anthropology, while others can lead you to careers outside of anthropology.

Will a Double Major With Anthropology Improve My Career Outlook?

A double major with anthropology can greatly improve your career outlook. You may be able to land niche roles due to your unique knowledge base, or bring a particular skill set into careers in public policy or criminal justice.