Johns Hopkins Anthropology

Hi, I'm a prospective college student interested in majoring in anthropology. I was wondering how the anthropology program is at Johns Hopkins University. Could anyone give some insight into the program, faculty, and the resources available for anthropology students? Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're considering a major in anthropology, and looking into the program at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). The anthropology department at JHU is quite well-regarded and provides a strong foundation for students interested in this field.

The program at JHU focuses on sociocultural anthropology, with an emphasis on contemporary social and cultural issues. This means that students here have the opportunity to delve into topics such as globalization, urbanization, political economy, race and ethnicity, and cultural representation, among other areas.

The department is relatively small, which provides the benefit of personalized attention and close interactions with faculty members. The faculty at JHU are experts in their respective fields and bring diverse research backgrounds, ranging from areas like medical anthropology and legal anthropology to environmental anthropology and linguistic anthropology. This allows students to get exposure to various subfields within anthropology and find their own niche.

In terms of resources, JHU has the Program for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality, which would be great for students interested in exploring anthropology from a gender and sexuality perspective. Additionally, the university's research centers and institutes – such as the Institute for Global Studies, the Center for Africana Studies, and the Program in Latin American Studies – offer interdisciplinary research opportunities, as well as events and workshops that would be relevant for anthropology students.

One unique resource for anthropology students at JHU is the yearly Dean's Undergraduate Research Awards (DURA), which are offered in the social sciences as well as other disciplines. These help fund student research projects, enabling you to actively pursue your interests and work directly with faculty members on anthropological research.

Overall, the anthropology program at Johns Hopkins University distinguishes itself through its breadth of research interests, dedicated faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. If you plan to visit campus or attend any virtual events, it might be helpful to connect with current anthropology students or sit in on a class to get a better feel for the program. I hope this information is helpful, and good luck in your college search!