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.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 39

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

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.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

Should I get a BS or BA in anthropology?

 

Whether you should pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology varies based on your unique career goals and academic interests. A BS in anthropology is primarily taken by students who are interested in science and mathematics-based courses while a BA is for those whose interests lie in society, culture and archaeology.

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 102: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (GCSI OR SB & G)


ASB 222: Buried Cities and Lost Tribes (HUAD OR (HU or SB) & G & H)


STP 226: Elements of Statistics (QTRS OR CS)


STP 231: Statistics for Life Science (QTRS OR CS)


SOC 390: Social Statistics I (QTRS OR CS)


ASB 394: Statistics for Social Scientists


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


Growth: 4.2 %
Salary: $63,940

Anthropology Professor


Growth: 4.0 %
Salary: $85,000

Archivist


Growth: 8.2 %
Salary: $58,640

Compliance Manager


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $128,620

Cultural Studies Professor


Growth: 3.9 %
Salary: $80,910

Investment Fund Manager


Growth: 16.0 %
Salary: $139,790

Museum Curator


Growth: 11.1 %
Salary: $60,380

Museum Exhibit Designer


Growth: 9.9 %
Salary: $47,270

Sociologist


Growth: 4.5 %
Salary: $98,590

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

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

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 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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