The disciplines of sociology and anthropology, combined, offer a holistic approach to the study of humankind. The program offers both bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degree options with four possible emphases: sociology, anthropology, criminology, and American Indian studies. The region’s long and varied human traditions, dating from the prehistoric past of 10,000 years ago with Clovis and Folsom cultures to the 21st century mixed-culture traditions, provide an excellent natural laboratory for socio-cultural studies. The program emphasizes student participation in field and campus laboratory experiences, practicum, and computer competence in analysis of data. Small classes provide an enriched educational environment for both students and faculty.
At the graduate level, Highlands offers a Master of Arts in Southwest Studies – Anthropology Concentration and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Cultural Resource Management.
Within the anthropology program our courses are attractive to those interested in obtaining state and federal government employment, to educators wanting to learn more about the region’s multicultural and diverse background, to individuals preparing for graduate school, to those involved in fields related to cultural and biological anthropology, and to individuals interested in CRM. Our program specializes in socio-cultural, biological anthropology and archaeology. The program focuses on the Greater Southwest and offers classes in socio-cultural anthropology, archaeology, forensics, indigenous peoples, immigration, and cultural resource management.
New Mexico Highlands University is located at the southern base of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Las Vegas, New Mexico, less than an hour’s drive from Santa Fe. For those interested in Southwestern cultural anthropology and archaeology NMHU’s location is an ideal place to study and experience the region’s cultural and historic diversity.