Online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
The online anthropology degree builds skills and perspectives about human biology and culture. This field embraces the scientific study of human relationships and behavior, placing us within the natural world. Throughout the program, you’ll develop the ability to think critically and write effectively. These skills are useful for a variety of career paths and will benefit you as you advance in your career of choice.
Quick facts
Next start date: 06/29/2023
Total classes: 39
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
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What is anthropology?
Anthropology is the scientific study of humanity. Anthropologists investigate human evolution, culture, social behavior, biology, language and art, to name a few. As you work toward your online anthropology degree, you’ll also encounter the four main subfields of anthropology:
- Archaeology.
- Bioarchaeology.
- Evolutionary anthropology.
- Sociocultural anthropology.
Anthropology gives students the opportunity to study humans in the past and present from multiple perspectives, scientifically and humanistically, to develop a better appreciation for what makes us human and to appreciate our differences.
What makes this anthropology degree different?
Arizona State University is a leader in online education and we continuously work to improve the online learning experience for our students. As an ASU Online student, you’ll have the opportunity to work with and learn from the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus. We provide our students the opportunity to contribute to original research conducted by faculty members and graduate students as early as their first year.
Students in the online anthropology degree can choose from a wide range of courses and have access to award-winning online versions of our most popular classes. You can also take virtual field trips to famous sites such as Teotihuacan and explore the university’s collection of digitized fossil casts and human remains.
Will my anthropology degree 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Anthropology courses
To earn an anthropology degree, you’re required to complete courses on topics related to statistics, evolutionary science and cultural anthropology. There’s also a great deal of freedom regarding electives within an anthropology degree. ASU offers a range of interesting and relevant courses, some of which are listed below:
ASB 222: Buried Cities and Lost Tribes ((HU or SB) & G & H)
ASM 104: Bones, Stones, and Human Evolution (SB or SG)
ASB 102: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (SB & G)
SOC 390: Social Statistics I (CS)
STP 226: Elements of Statistics (CS)
ASB 394: Statistics for Social Scientists
STP 231: Statistics for Life Science (CS)
What can I 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. Those with a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology may also apply their skills in areas such as critical thinking, writing and statistical analysis to the careers below:
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
ASU’s 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 & 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 genus Homo.
Study anthropology with world-class researchers
ASU’s 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 & 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 genus Homo.
Anthropology degree application requirements
first-year student
You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.
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 courses, almost all of which are taught directly by our field-leading faculty. This includes award-winning online versions of our most popular classes, providing working students with scheduling flexibility as needed. We are leaders in online instruction and 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.
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