Since 2006

1,900+

Undergraduate
Degrees Awarded

Since 2007

230+

Master’s
Degrees Awarded

Since 2021

10+

Ph.D.
Degrees Awarded

Since 2006

$6.4M+

in Research
Funding

 

 

 

Join the Celebration

The University of Central Florida’s Department of Anthropology is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since becoming an independent department in 2006, our faculty, staff and students have built a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing the understanding of humanity across time, culture and geography.

Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Fairwinds Alumni Center, Ballroom A, UCF Main Campus

As we mark two decades of research, teaching and fieldwork around the world, this milestone celebration will honor the department’s history, highlight the achievements of our faculty, students and alumni, and recognize anthropology’s lasting impact at UCF. Join us for a morning of conversation and community as we celebrate our journey and explore what’s next for the department.

What to Expect

  • Highlights from the department’s 20-year history
  • Themed exhibits showcasing research, teaching and fieldwork
  • Hands-on interactive stations
  • Opportunities to connect with alumni, students, faculty and friends
  • Light refreshments

Additional event details will be shared soon.

Exhibits

Unearthing the Past

  • Discover the past through archaeology. Meet our faculty and explore the research, discoveries and methods they use to learn about past cultures through material remains and artifacts.

Understanding Culture & People

  • Explore people, cultures and communities. Learn how our faculty study human experiences, customs, beliefs, identities, health and social change around the world.

What Makes Us Human?

  • Explore the science of being human. Meet our biological anthropologists and learn about research involving human biology, evolution, skeletal remains, health and the human past.

Your Path in Anthropology

  • Interested in studying anthropology? Learn about our undergraduate and graduate programs, courses, research opportunities and the many paths an anthropology degree can offer.

20 Years, Countless Stories

  • Celebrate 20 years of UCF Anthropology. Look back at the people, milestones, research and memorable moments that have shaped our department.

Anthropology Beyond the Classroom

  • See anthropology beyond the classroom. Discover how our students and faculty connect with community partners and explore internship and hands-on learning opportunities.

Anthropology in Action

  • Experience live demos and activities! Stop by for interactive activities and live demonstrations highlighting some of the tools, technologies and methods anthropologists use in their work.

Anthropology at UCF Timeline


1968

 

 

Florida Technological University (FTU) opens

1978

 

Anthropology Minor added

1982

 

B.A. in Anthropology added

1983

 

College of Arts & Sciences – Department of Sociology & Anthropology Established

 

1995

 

Multicultural Anthropology Minor added

 

2001

 

Native American Studies Minor added

 

2006

 

College of Sciences – Department of Anthropology established
M.A. in Anthropology added

 

2010

 

Medical Anthropology Minor added

 

2013

 

Native American Studies Certificate added

 

2014

 

Human Biology Certificate added

 

2015

 

Anthropology of Global Health Certificate added

 

2017

 

Anthropological Archaeology Minor added
Biological Anthropology Minor added
Cultural Anthropology Minor added

 

2018

 

Ph.D. in Integrative Anthropological Sciences added

 

2023

 

Anthropology of Pop Culture Minor added

 

2026

 

Disability in Culture Certificate added
Anthropology 20th Anniversary Event