Undergraduate Advising

Anthropology is a dynamic major that can prepare you for a variety of traditional and unexpected career paths. It also complements many other fields of study – including business, education, environmental programs, law, and medicine – and works well as a double major or an additional degree.

UConn’s anthropology advisors can help you navigate your options and make informed decisions about your education. They can also connect you with opportunities like internships, field training, research, and student organizations so that you can maximize your time at UConn.

If you would like to learn about adding anthropology as a major, contact the anthropology staff advisor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Anthropology Advisors

Undergraduate advising is coordinated by faculty in the Department of Anthropology and staff in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Academic Services Center.

Please note that all academic advising is by appointment only. Learn more about our advisors and how to schedule an appointment below.

Staff Advisor

Matthew Donofrio

The staff advisor can:

  • Help you understand the “big picture” of your academic experience.
  • Guide you through your general education and major requirements and help you develop a plan to complete your degree.
  • Release the hold on your account during course registration periods.

Meet with the Staff Advisor

Please call the CLAS Academic Services Center at 860-486-2822 to schedule a meeting.

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Kevin McBride

The Director of Undergraduate Studies can:

  • Answer your general and specific questions about the anthropology major, including career options and research opportunities.
  • Sign dual major and additional degree forms.

The Director of Undergraduate Studies also serves as the primary advisor of record for all honors students and releases their academic holds.

Meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies

Please email the Director of Undergraduate Studies to schedule an appointment.

Faculty Advising

Faculty members in the Department of Anthropology are available to advise you informally.

If you would prefer to be assigned a specific anthropology faculty advisor, you can submit a request to the staff advisor to transfer advisors. This is common when a student has a specific interest that overlaps with a faculty member’s research.

Meet with Your Faculty Advisor

Please email your faculty advisor and ask when they are available to meet and their preferred method of scheduling appointments.

How Advising Works

Anthropology majors are assigned an advisor when they declare their major.

You are required to meet with your assigned academic advisor each semester.

  • A hold will be placed on your account early in the semester, which will prevent you from registering for courses until you meet with your advisor.
  • During your advising appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss future courses, study abroad opportunities, minors, internships, graduate school, and have your academic hold removed.

Anthropology faculty members are also available for informal advising.

  • No matter who is your assigned academic advisor, your professors can serve as valuable resources for topics like courses, research opportunities, and career opportunities.
  • They can also respond to any questions you have about your program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I study abroad?

Through careful planning with your advisor, you can take part in programs in many exciting places across the globe while earning credit toward your degree. Explore opportunities for anthropology students through the Office of Experiential Global Learning, and learn about Field Training Schools in the Department of Anthropology.

Can I double major or add a minor?

Yes! Our major pairs well with a variety of majors and minors offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and other UConn schools and colleges.

How do I find an internship?

The Department of Anthropology offers an Internship Program where you can gain professional experience while earning course credit. Learn more about finding an internship and active internship opportunities on our Internship Program page.

What can I do with an anthropology degree?

Almost anything! Anthropology majors learn about cultures and societies while developing professional skills that all employers value – like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. An anthropology degree can give you a solid foundation for roles in education, research, government, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Anthropology can also provide pre-medical and pre-law students with a wider perspective that they can bring to their graduate school applications and careers.

Learn more about where our alumni work and find professional development resources on our Careers page. Have more questions? Make an appointment with the anthropology staff advisor or Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Does the department offer peer advisors, study groups, or tutoring sessions?

We do not offer formal study groups or peer advising at this time. However, the Department of Anthropology supports the UConn Anthropology Club, an organization where undergraduate students can network and meet about a range of topics, including preparing for graduate school.

Learn more about the UConn Anthropology Club on our Get Involved page.