Anthropology, the broadest of all the social sciences, is the scientific study of human biological and cultural diversity. It is not bound by time, as it explores the human experience from our earliest ancestors to the present. It is also global, not bound by space. Anthropologists study peoples in remote corners of the world as well as those in our own society. Anthropology falls within the humanities and the natural sciences. It is a holistic discipline, for it looks at the mutual interdependence of the biological and cultural aspects of humans. The major subfields of anthropology are cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics.

Because of its holistic nature, anthropology helps us understand many contemporary social problems such as inequality, poverty, racism, and sexism. With practical applications in forensic science, heritage management, international relations, sustainable development, and public health, the major relates well to almost any subject that students pursue. It is a popular double major or minor for students in other fields.

The Anthropology Discipline is part of the Collegium of Comparative Cultures at Eckerd College. The interdisciplinary nature of anthropology contributes to an integrated understanding of the various subjects that one studies at a liberal arts college.