The strengths of the Bioanthropology faculty are in human skeletal biology and evolution.  Bioarchaeology has been the primary emphasis in the program over the last forty years and there are close ties between this part of the department and the archaeology emphasis.  Courses covering the human fossil record, contemporary human variation, human osteology, and quantitative methods are integral parts of the program.  The regional interests of the faculty include the Southeast US and California.  Students are involved in field and laboratory projects with local law enforcement and coroner's offices and with Bay Area contract archaeology firms.  An integral part of the program is the Bioanthropology Laboratory which provides laboratory services for both NAGPRA and NHPA Section 106 compliance projects.

In archaeology, the Department has a strong interest in California and Chinese prehistory.  Courses on field techniques are offered, in which students participate in all aspects of archaeology, from surveying and excavation to analysis and publication of results.  We are developing a Cultural Resources Management program for our California Archaeology program in order to strengthen our ties with Bay Area contract archaeology firms.  The archaeology faculty research and teach courses on Old World Archeology and the Ancient Far East.  Students may mentor with faculty researching these topics for experience.  Local archaeological projects are also usually underway.