What Can USD Anthropology Do for You?
We see anthropology as an invitation to ask big questions about what it means to be human. Through the study of cultures, communities, language, biology and archaeology, you'll gain the skills to think critically, engage thoughtfully with the world around you, and pursue a wide variety of professional paths.
At USD, you'll have the flexibility to customize your anthropology experience through research, fieldwork, study abroad and interdisciplinary coursework, making it an ideal major to pair with many other fields of study.
Ready to declare an anthropology major? Scroll down for step-by-step instructions.
How to Declare a Major
Declaring a College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) major and staying on track is easy. Just follow the steps below.
Important note: Students can declare a major after April 15 of their first year and should use the Core Curriculum and campus resources to identify the best fit for their major and career.
Fill out the Declaration of Major form
Fill out the Declaration of Major form. Be aware that you will need to log into your Mysandiego portal when you follow the link.
Reminder: Students can declare a major after April 15 of their first year and up to the end of their second year.
Meet your with your new Faculty Advisor
After completing your Declaration of Major form, you will be assigned a Faculty Advisor in your major with whom you should schedule an appointment.
Your major Faculty Advisor can share information about major course curriculum, connect you with resources and provide guidance on exploring academic and career options.
Connect with the Career Development Center
As a College of Arts and Sciences major, you are required to complete a career readiness program through the Career Development Center.
Immediate Action Item:
Attend a COMPASS (also known as the Career Readiness Program) orientation within two weeks of declaring a CAS major
Questions?
Contact the CAS Academic Advising Team at casadvising@sandiego.edu for logistical or clarifying questions.
Tips for Success in Anthropology
Your success matters to us. Below are some tips and resources to help navigate the anthropology major, build meaningful connections, and get the most out of your degree.
Meet with your Faculty Advisor regularly for guidance, resources and help exploring academic and career options. Additionally, you can reach out to the CAS Academic Advising Team for logistical questions.
Whether it's joining our Anthropology club or taking part in research opportunities, the Department of Anthropology offers a variety of ways to get involved and start making connections with peers and faculty.
Design an anthropology path that reflects your interests. Pair the major with another field of study and take advantage of research, internships, study abroad and faculty mentorship to support your academic and professional goals.
Broaden your worldview through experiences that foster curiosity, critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding.
Learn through hands-on experience with our teaching collection, including anatomical casts and animal skeletons.
Engage with San Diego's vibrant network of museums, archives and cultural organizations. Internships, volunteer experiences and community partnerships can help you build lasting professional connections.
Use DegreeWorks to track and plan your courses and ensure you meet graduation requirements.
All CAS majors are required to complete the COMPASS Career Readiness Program in order to graduate. Also, make sure to take advantage of the Career Development Center's events and career resources.



