Welcome to Anthropology at Nipissing
Anthropology is a fascinating and interdisciplinary field that will have you investigating the vast scope of human experience. Questions that concern anthropologists are widespread and include: Why do some cultures construct different explanations for sickness and health? How do people throughout the world determine who is related to whom? What are the patterns of inequity and stratification from one society to another? How do human beings decide to organize themselves and why?
Your studies will range in focus from the origin of our species and the development of the first known human civilizations to language and the diversity of cultures that exist today. Your studies will provide you with fundamentals, principles and theories as you explore the human experience from cultural, historical, geographical and sociological perspectives. Your curiosity may unearth new knowledge as you find yourself immersed in hands-on fieldwork and conducting applied research
Anthropology at Nipissing University
Nipissing University Research Data Centre (RDC)
The Statistics Canada Research Data Centre at Nipissing University, provides access to detailed data for research, promotes the use of data through associated training, and assists in the dissemination of research results.
Avery Beall, RDC Statistical Assistant explains the steps involved to access the RDC data, and highlights some of the new COVID-19 data sets available for researchers in the RDC.
Further information about other RDC data sets available and application procedures can also be found on the Nipissing RDC website.
Facilities
Nipissing's campus is located on a stunning 291 hectares of Canadian Shield forest. With our focus on student-centred living and learning, you will feel a sense of community the moment you step on campus.
The Harris Learning Library
The Harris Learning Library was completed in 2011 and provides 56,000 square feet of study space with natural light and a modern award-winning design. The new library features expanded print collections, a learning commons, an adaptive technology area, and collaborative work spaces.
Archaeology Field School
ANTR 2026 Archaeology I
This course introduces students to the theories, concepts and methodological approaches that archeologists employ to study past cultures through their material remains.
The Sociology-Anthropology Student Society
There are tons of ways to get involved in campus life, but one way is through the Sociology Club, which organizes events and guest speakers throughout the year.
Inaugural public lecture
In the summer of 2016, Nipissing University students Isaac Bender and Gab Lavoie had the opportunity to travel to the Republic of Ireland to participate in the excavation of a 13th century Dominican Friary, uncovering a variety of material artifacts and human burials. Their talk, titled "An Mainistir Dubh: a lecture on Irish archaeology at the Blackfriary," will share their experiences in excavating the medieval site, and outline how their findings help the community of Trim understand the context of the Friary within the city. Light refreshments will be served.
Chair
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Program Representative
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Full-time Faculty
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Isaac Bender"I had the opportunity to attend high school overseas, and in doing so I found my passion for world cultures, languages and history. Jump forward a few years, when I enrolled at Nipissing I was in the education program on route to becoming an elementary school teacher. It wasn’t until I sat in on one of Dr. Carly Dokis’ lectures that I knew I wanted to be a part of the Anthropology program at Nipissing. Now despite the program being fairly small, the quality and passion of the faculty has not only helped me grow as an academic but has opened a lot of doors in my future in Archaeology. Between Carly’s passionate Cultural Anthropology lectures on her work with the Dene, and my practical work experience in Archaeology with one of the most interesting people I have ever met, Ken Swayze; I know that studying at Nipissing University will give me many opportunities that I may not have received at a larger school, and has given me the chance to rid my ignorance, and come to love local cultures such as the Nipissing and the Algonquin First Nations in Ontario."
current Geography and Anthropology student
Analucia Vucic"The experience that I had with my anthropology classes has been nothing but positive. Dr. Carly Dokis is an amazing professor who gives wonderful lectures and who is always there for students. All my professors were great and they are what makes the program truly unique by providing enriching experiences and the familiarity of one-on-one assistance to students."
current Anthropology student
An Anthropology degree opens up many career options for graduates with critical thinking and analytical skills that can be applied to many different professions.
Having developed a strong background in research, some of our students pursue graduate school in anthropology, sociology, museum studies, or philosophy, or continue on to a professional program like teaching or law. Many students are well suited for research positions with government or not-for-profit organizations, or a career in international development, tourism, heritage and conservation, museum work, and much more.
Career and Academic Options
- Graduate Studies
- Professional School (Medicine, Education, Law, MBA)
- Careers as medical researchers, museum curators, and human rights advocates