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About Department of Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology is one of the academic programs within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Hawassa University.  


Department of Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology is one of the academic programs within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities at Hawassa University. Established to advance the study of humanity in its cultural, social, and biological dimensions, the department is committed to high-quality teaching, research, and community engagement. It provides students with the analytical tools and field-based training needed to understand human diversity, cultural practices, and social change in Ethiopia and beyond. Currently, the department offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in anthropology. Through coursework, independent research, and fieldwork, students are trained to critically analyse human societies, cultural traditions, and contemporary development challenges. Graduates of Anthropology are well prepared to pursue careers in academic and research institutions, cultural and heritage organisations, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and international development programs. By producing professionals who are passionate to cultural diversity and committed to social progress, the department contributes to Ethiopia’s nation-building and the global understanding of humanity.

List of programs offered in department

1

Undergraduate

  • B.A. in Anthropology 
2

Masters or Specialisations

  • M.A. in Social Anthropology 

Graduate profile of each program

B.A. in Anthropology Program

Upon completion of the program, graduates of Anthropology will be able to:

  • Understand the dynamics of societal realities, including culture and development; socio-economic changes and social transformation; culture, health, and society; environment, bio-cultural adaptation and resilience; identity, gender, religion, ethnicity, and power relations; conflict and peacebuilding; local governance and legal pluralism; indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable development; culture and tourism; population, migration, globalisation, and transnational locality; culture and sport; and related bio-cultural, societal, ecological, and historical issues.
  • Develop a broad, cross-cultural, and comparative perspective on humanity, human biological and cultural diversity, and foster respect and tolerance for diverse social, cultural, linguistic, and biological practices and ways of life.
  • Apply anthropological methodologies, approaches, and theories to identify, contextualise, and analyse complex social problems.
  • Gain critical understanding of Ethiopia’s and the Horn of Africa’s multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multilingual societies.
  • Analyse societal problems from wider bio-cultural, social, and ecological perspectives.
  • Understand issues related to multiculturalism, migration, globalisation, trans-locality, identity, politics of representation, and nation-building.
  • Identify and integrate indigenous knowledge and practices into development programs to promote sustainable development.
  • Promote the preservation and conservation of historical, natural, and cultural heritages, including selected archaeological sites.
  • Engage in development and policy practice as practitioners, advocates, mediators, and educators bridging local/indigenous groups and national or international development agents.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary research and development projects, applying anthropological perspectives to analyse and interpret diverse peoples, cultures, and ecologies.
  • Assess and analyse cultural, socio-economic, and environmental impacts of integrated rural, urban, and pastoral development projects.
  • Facilitate community-industry linkages and technology/knowledge transformation to enhance sustainable development efforts.
  • Apply anthropological insights to advocacy, media, mass communication, advertising, and organisational problem-solving.

M.A. in Social Anthropology

Upon completion of the program, graduates of the M.A. in Social Anthropology will be able to:

  • Develop a critical understanding of anthropological approaches in research, including the theoretical frameworks and methodological tools used to study human societies.
  • Critically evaluate and justify the choice of research methodology and theoretical perspectives in relation to specific social, cultural, political, identity, urban, and development issues.
  • Apply anthropological methodologies and theories to identify, contextualize, and analyse complex social phenomena and challenges.
  • Manage and implement projects in dynamic and challenging environments, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in problem-solving.
  • Communicate anthropological knowledge effectively, both orally and in writing, to colleagues, academic peers, and the broader public.

Potential Employers 

Graduates of Anthropology programs at Hawassa University are well-prepared for careers in government, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and civil society. Potential employers include:

  • Ministry of Culture and Sports
  • Ministry of Labor and Skills
  • Ministry of Peace
  • Ministry of Tourism
  • Ministry of Planning and Development
  • Ministry of Women and Social Affairs
  • Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration
  • Ministry of Urban Development & Infrastructure
  • Ministry of Health
  • United Nations (UN) Agencies
  • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
  • Civic Society Organisations