Online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology program equips you with in-depth knowledge of human biology and culture. This program delves into the scientific study of human relationships and behavior, integrating your understanding of our place within the natural world. With enhanced critical thinking and writing skills, you’ll graduate prepared to advance your professional journey with diverse career paths.
Quick facts
Next start date: 07/02/2025
Total classes: 39
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Study anthropology and understand the meaning of being human
Studying anthropology elevates your understanding of what it means to be human in past, present and future environments. As a scientific study of humanity, anthropology investigates a wide range of aspects from human evolution and biology to culture, social behavior, language and art. This field invites you to delve into both the scientific and humanistic aspects of our past and present, offering you a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity and our differences.
If you're curious about how and why humans evolved and are eager to explore the significance of culture in our species' success, this program may be a great fit for you. You'll develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are valuable across a range of careers, whether you’re drawn to the social or natural world or the intersection of the two.
What you’ll learn in this anthropology program
In this online anthropology degree, you’ll examine the biological, social and cultural paths that have shaped humanity and evolution across time. You'll learn to apply the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses, gathering both qualitative and quantitative data through methods including participant observation, interviewing, ethnographic study and precise excavation. You’ll also gain skills in statistical analysis, enabling you to extract meaningful insights from your data.
Whether you're intrigued by the physical aspects of anthropology, such as bones, artifacts and collections, or drawn to the sociocultural dynamics of human societies, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum that provides a solid foundation for diverse careers and advanced studies. With a highly elective structure, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your upper-division coursework to your interests. Additionally, ASU offers a variety of hands-on research opportunities to undergraduate anthropology students.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Online anthropology BA courses
The required courses in this program cover key topics related to statistics, evolutionary science and cultural anthropology. You'll also benefit from considerable course flexibility with a diverse selection of engaging and relevant electives to choose from, allowing you to tailor your anthropology degree to your interests.
What you can do with an anthropology degree
An anthropology degree provides a strong foundation for a variety of careers. Popular career paths include teaching and research. However, it’s important to note that studies beyond an undergraduate degree are necessary to pursue a career as an anthropologist, archaeologist or professor. Skills acquired in an undergraduate degree alone prepare students to work in fields related to evaluation and interpretation of data or jobs seeking individuals with a more comprehensive worldview. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Anthropologist/Archeologist
Anthropology Professor
Archivist
Compliance Manager
Cultural Studies Professor
Investment Fund Manager
Museum Curator
Museum Exhibit Designer
Sociologist
Study anthropology with world-class researchers
The School of Human Evolution and Social Change faculty includes four members of the National Academy of Sciences, nine Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and nine Regents, Foundation or President’s Professors. Noteworthy faculty include:
- Anne Stone — Geneticist who helped unlock Neanderthal DNA
- Donald Johanson and William Kimbel — Discovered the Lucy fossil
- Jane Buikstra — Invented the field of bioarchaeology
- Kaye Reed — Discovered the oldest fossil of the genus Homo
Study anthropology with world-class researchers
The School of Human Evolution and Social Change faculty includes four members of the National Academy of Sciences, nine Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and nine Regents, Foundation or President’s Professors. Noteworthy faculty include:
- Anne Stone — Geneticist who helped unlock Neanderthal DNA
- Donald Johanson and William Kimbel — Discovered the Lucy fossil
- Jane Buikstra — Invented the field of bioarchaeology
- Kaye Reed — Discovered the oldest fossil of the genus Homo
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Join a school focused on human history and change
ASU's School of Human Evolution and Social Change is one of the largest and most diverse anthropology programs in the country. Scale is a major asset as students can take classes and work with faculty in any part of the school. We offer an array of popular courses, taught by the same leading faculty who teach in person. As leaders in online instruction, we continually work to improve the quality of the student experience.
#1
in anthropology research expenditures
#1
nationally for publications in top-tier anthropology journals
#4
internationally for publications in top-tier anthropology journals
40
countries across six continents where our unit has a research presence
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
