Origins Explored. Worlds Understood.
Humanity’s story is written in bones, landscapes, languages, and living traditions. Our programs explore what it means to be human across time and place, from the deep past to the complexities of today’s world. Students learn to ask big questions, work with diverse kinds of evidence, and engage thoughtfully with cultures, communities, and environments.
Through hands-on research, close faculty mentorship, and a commitment to ethical, inclusive inquiry, our programs prepare students to understand human diversity and change in all its forms. Graduates leave with critical thinking skills, global perspective, and real-world experience that translate to careers in research, education, public service, cultural resource management, health, and beyond.
Get to know us!
Take a virtual tour or view our Undergraduate Admissions info or Graduate Admissions info to start an application today!
Department News
- New Release: Digging Into History at Maryland Ave. Archaeological DocumentaryThis two-part documentary series directed by Emerson Neczek focuses on the inadvertent discovery of a forgotten cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. SURF student Emerson Neczek …
- Calling All Brewers! UWM’s 5th Unhopped Iron Brewer Challenge is Now Accepting SubmissionsCall for Submissions Try your hand at producing a prehistoric/early historic fermented beverage from any time period/geographic area using archaeologically/historically attested plants as hops …
- Latest UWM InFocus spotlights Anthropology alum, Cassie CoffeyAlum's playful job title highlights the diversity of opportunities available to Anthropologists and Museum Professionals A recent UWM InFocus article written by Sarah Vickery …
- Free Virtual Lecture: “Returning to the People: How the MPM works with Indigenous groups to bring their history and ancestors home”“Returning to the People: How the MPM works with Indigenous groups to bring their history and ancestors home” by Dawn Scher Thomae, MPM’s Curator …
Department Events
- Apr4April 4, 2026, 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Apr14
- Apr25April 25, 2026, 5:00pm - 7:00pm




