Anthropological Sciences Radford University

Overview

The Anthropological Sciences programme at Radford University provides students with a rigorous academic framework to explore the complexities of human evolution, culture, and biology. This degree integrates theoretical knowledge with practical research skills to prepare graduates for diverse professional environments.

Students can choose between two distinct pathways: the General Anthropology concentration or the Forensic Anthropology concentration. The General track is ideal for those pursuing careers in heritage resource management, while the Forensic track focuses on the medicolegal analysis of human remains.

The curriculum is designed to foster an interdisciplinary understanding of the human past.

Why Anthropological Sciences at Radford University?

Radford University offers a unique learning environment where students benefit from specialised laboratory facilities and field-based training. The programme emphasises hands-on experience, particularly through archaeological field schools and advanced research seminars that bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

The institution provides a supportive academic community with a focus on undergraduate research. Students have the opportunity to work closely with expert faculty on projects ranging from bioarchaeology to human impacts on prehistoric environments, ensuring they are competitive for graduate-level study or immediate employment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 22012 per year
• National fee: USD 22012 per year
• Local fee: USD 8698 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum includes a mandatory core of foundational subjects followed by concentration-specific modules. Modules may include:

• Anthropology of the Human Past
• Anthropological Research
• Archaeology
• Biological Anthropology
• Quantitative and Computer Methods in Anthropology
• Senior Seminar
• Anthropological Theory

Students in the General Anthropology concentration may also study:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Human Osteology
• Primatology
• Paleoanthropology
• Bioarchaeology
• Ancient Worlds of the Maya, the Aztec, and the Inka
• Forensic Archaeology
• Archaeological Field and Lab Methods
• World Prehistory
• Human Impacts on the Prehistoric Environment

Students in the Forensic Anthropology concentration may also study:

• Advanced Forensic Anthropology
• Human Structure and Function
• Molecular Forensic Biology
• Forensic Chemistry

Careers with Anthropological Sciences

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for roles in cultural resource management, museum curation, and forensic investigation. The Forensic Anthropology concentration specifically prepares students for careers within the medicolegal system or for advanced postgraduate research in biological sciences.

The broad analytical skills gained during the degree also allow for employment in government agencies, non-profit organisations, and international heritage bodies. Many students continue their education in specialised fields such as archaeology, osteology, or environmental consultancy.