Anthropology has been taught at Appalachian State University since 1970. First part of a combined Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the Department of Anthropology was established in 1978. The original program offering the B.A. and B.S. degrees in Anthropology is now complemented by B.A. concentrations in applied anthropology and archaeology and B.S. degrees with  concentrations in sustainable development and biological anthropology. In 1993 a special program, the ASU Laboratories of Archaeological Science, was begun. There are fifteen full and part-time faculty covering the subfields of cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. The faculty are especially strong in theoretical anthropology, gender studies, Appalachian Studies, applied anthropology, sustainable development and field archaeology.

For more information about our strategic vision for the future and growth of our department, please download the Strategic Plan below.