History

Before emerging as the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, the Department of Anthropology was officially formed in 1962, two years after hiring its second anthropologist. Since then, it has grown exponentially to an impressive team of nearly 60 renowned faculty members and numerous innovative research projects throughout the world, all of which have worked to make the school’s programs among the best on Earth.

Recognizing the urgent need for a more sound understanding of the world’s complexities in a broader context, ASU transformed the Department of Anthropology into the School of Human Evolution and Social Change in 2005. The school’s teaching, research and creative excellence is designed to engage students in real-world problems and provide new perspectives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the diverse people and communities throughout Arizona and around the globe.