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2027-2028 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Bachelor of Science in Computing and Anthropology

The Computing and Anthropology major is an interdisciplinary program that integrates computing, data analysis, and emerging technologies with the study of human cultures, societies, and behaviors. The program prepares students to apply computational methods to anthropological research and real-world social challenges through areas such as data analytics, human-centered technology design, artificial intelligence, and cultural data analysis. Students develop both technical and analytical skills while gaining a deeper understanding of human diversity, ethics, and the societal impact of technology. The program prepares graduates for careers and graduate study in areas such as user experience research, digital humanities, social data analytics, cultural resource management, public policy, nonprofit organizations, and technology industries that value human-centered and culturally informed computing solutions.

Requirements for a Major in Computing and Anthropology

Students who wish to pursue the integrated major in Computing and Anthropology must complete the following.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete the general university degree requirements as identified in the General Academic Regulations section of the catalog.

Computing and Anthropology Major (77-80 credits)

The Computing and Anthropology major must complete the following courses with a minimum of 2.0 GPA.

Core Courses

Computing Core Courses (22-25 credits)

Complete the following five courses (13-14 credits)

Select three courses from the following list (9-11 credits)

Anthropology Core Courses (22 credits)

Complete the following list of courses:

Additional Required Courses (9 credits)
Required Capstone Project (3 credits)

Tracks

Students need to select one Anthropology track and one Computing track.

Anthropology Tracks

Take 9 credits within a given track; the Anthropology tracks are shown below:

Track: Cultural Anthropology (9 credits)

The Cultural Anthropology track explores how cultural beliefs, social structures, identity, religion, gender, and human experiences shape societies across the world. The track helps students develop cultural awareness, critical thinking, and analytical skills that complement computing and human-centered technology development. Students gain interdisciplinary perspectives that prepare them to design inclusive technologies and work effectively in diverse global and multicultural environments.

Complete the following two courses:

Select one course from the following list:

Track: Biological/Physical Anthropology (9 credits)

The Biological/Physical Anthropology track examines human biological evolution, variation, health, and the relationship between humans and their environments. The track integrates scientific inquiry, data analysis, and research methods that complement computing applications in areas such as health analytics, bioinformatics, environmental modeling, and digital archaeology. Students develop interdisciplinary analytical skills that prepare them for careers and graduate study involving human-centered research, scientific computing, and technology-driven analysis of biological and environmental data.

Complete the following two courses:

Select one course from the following list:

Track: Linguistic Anthropology (9 credits)

The Linguistic Anthropology track explores the relationship between language, culture, identity, and human communication across diverse societies. The track complements computing by providing students with foundational knowledge in natural language processing, multilingual communication, human-computer interaction, and AI-driven language technologies. Students develop analytical and cultural competencies that prepare them to contribute to globally connected and linguistically diverse technology environments.

Complete the following two courses:

Select one course from the following list:

* Substitutions with permission of advisor - where language or other linguistics classes in English might be substituted.

Track: Archaeology (9 credits)

The Archaeology track examines past human societies through the study of material culture, archaeological methods, and historical interpretation. The track complements computing by integrating research design, data analysis, digital mapping, visualization, and emerging technologies used in archaeological investigation and preservation. Students develop interdisciplinary skills that prepare them for careers and graduate study in digital archaeology, cultural heritage preservation, geographic information systems (GIS), and technology supported historical research.

Complete the following two courses:

Select one course from the following list:

Computing Tracks

Take one computing track, comprised of twelve credits; the computing tracks are shown below:

Track: Artificial Intelligence (12 credits)

The Artificial Intelligence track provides students with both technical and human-centered pathways to develop advanced knowledge in modern AI systems and applications. Students build foundational competencies in programming, data structures, algorithms, human-centered computing, and applied AI before selecting advanced electives aligned with emerging areas such as generative AI, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, edge AI, trustworthy AI, ethics, and human-AI interaction. The track is designed to prepare students for interdisciplinary careers and graduate study in artificial intelligence and related fields.

  • The following core courses must be completed to satisfy the track course prerequisites with a technical focus: AI 201, CIS 162, CIS 163, CIS 241, CIS 263, and CIS 378.
  • The following core courses are required to complete the track with a human-centered focus: AI 201 and HCC 201.

Choose 4 from the following list of courses:

Track: Cybersecurity (12 credits)

This track prepares students to address security, privacy, and risk-management challenges. Students gain foundational expertise in areas such as network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, secure software development, and AI-driven security analytics.

  • The following core courses are required to complete the track course prerequisites: CIS 162, CYB 241, and CIS 258.

Required:

Choose 3 of the following list of courses:

Track: Computer Science (12 credits)

The Computer Science track provides students with a solid foundation in computational thinking and problem-solving while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to design, analyze, and implement efficient computing solutions.

Choose 4 from the following list of courses:

Track: Information Technology (12 credits)

The undergraduate IT track focuses on the practical application of computing to support organizations, individuals, and society through the effective use of technology. Students develop skills in systems administration, networking, databases, cybersecurity, cloud 7 computing, and user support, with an emphasis on designing, managing, and securing IT infrastructures.

  • The following core courses must be completed to satisfy track course prerequisites: CIS 162 and CIS 250.

Required:

Choose 3 of the following list of courses:

Track: Software Engineering (12 credits)

The undergraduate Software Engineering track prepares students to design, develop, test, and maintain large-scale, reliable, and secure software systems. It emphasizes systematic engineering practices, including requirements analysis, software architecture, design patterns, testing methodologies, and project management, while also addressing human-computer interaction, quality assurance, and team-based development.

Choose 4 from the following list of courses:

Track: Human-Centered Computing (12 credits)

The undergraduate Human-Centered Computing (HCC) track focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of computing technologies that prioritize user needs, accessibility, and usability. Students explore topics such as human-computer interaction, user experience (UX) design, accessibility, cognitive psychology, and interface design, while gaining practical skills in prototyping, usability testing, and user research.

  • The following core courses must be completed to satisfy track course prerequisites: CIS 162 and HCC 201.

Choose 4 from the following list of courses:

Suggested Order of Coursework

This suggested order of coursework assumes that students will seek the help of their advisor to complete the courses in a timely manner. The following course sequence also assumes a strong mathematics background for the entering student. If mathematics deficiencies exist, completing the mathematics prerequisites should be the student's top priority.

Year One (29-31 credits)

Year Two (31 credits)

Year Three (30 credits)

Year Four (28-30 credits)


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