Online Bachelor of Science in Anthropology

Are you torn between studying history or biology? The Bachelor of Science in anthropology online allows you to do both. The gained knowledge of human behavior will give you an edge in science, medicine and other career fields.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Anthropology (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

This is a required field.
This is a required field.
This is a required field.
Invalid phone number. Please try again.

Earn your BS in anthropology

A BS in anthropology provides training in data analysis and research design within the context of human evolution, archaeology and the wider field of anthropology. You’ll learn how to use the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses and gather qualitative and quantitative data through participant observation, interviewing, careful excavation and measurement. You’ll also learn how to employ statistics to analyze and extract meaning from data. But this is not just a technical degree. You’ll also learn how to ask important questions about the human species.

Most simply defined, anthropology is the study of humans. It’s the study of who we are and what makes us human, such as our culture, beliefs and social behavior, evolution and biology, languages and music, and art and architecture. Anthropology is the study of people living today, as well as people who lived in the recent and distant past. It seeks answers to important questions such as how human behavior has and continues to change over time.

Those with an anthropology background are in high demand. There is a growing need for researchers and analysts with keen thinking skills who can manage, evaluate and interpret large amounts of data. Professionals trained in anthropology are increasingly sought after for their broad, holistic knowledge and perspective.

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:

What skills do I learn in a BS in anthropology?

 

The Bachelor of Science in anthropology program teaches you to “think like an anthropologist.” You’ll learn to appreciate our place in nature and the long history of human societal change that brought us to where we are today.

Anthropologists are not only trained to perform specific tasks or analyses, but their deep understanding of human behavior, ability to understand nuance and ability to form important questions is also valued in science, medicine, business and other industries.

A feature of Arizona State University’s anthropology program is its relevance to other disciplines. You’ll participate in hands-on learning opportunities in laboratories, study abroad experiences and field-based courses.

What’s the difference between a BA and BS in anthropology?

 

The Bachelor of Science in anthropology degree online is for students primarily interested in evolutionary anthropology, bioarchaeology and some specialties of archaeology. These areas of anthropology feature courses where science and mathematics are important.

The Bachelor of Arts in anthropology degree online is for students who are interested in human behavior, such as in archaeology or sociocultural anthropology. Your studies will be more focused on humanities rather than science. It’s also a better option for those who want a general overview of the field instead of a specialty within anthropology.

Does my Bachelor of Science in anthropology 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.

Online anthropology courses

The Bachelor of Science in anthropology program concentrates on science- and mathematics-based anthropology courses. Calculus and upper-division statistics courses are required.


ASM 300: Anthropological Sciences Seminar


ASB 223: Aztecs, Incas and Mayas (SOBE OR (HU or SB) & G & H)


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


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


ASM 104: Bones, Stones, and Human Evolution (SCIT OR SG)


ASB 394: Statistics for Social Scientists


ASM 463: A Practical Guide to Bayesian Data Analysis (QTRS OR CS)


ASM 465: Quantification and Analysis for Anthropologists


What can I do with a BS in anthropology?

The skills developed in this program are valued in health research, foreign service, education and a wide variety of other industries. This undergraduate degree may also be relevant for those looking to pursue advanced degrees in anthropology or go on to medical school.

Anthropologist/Archeologist


Growth: 4.2 %
Salary: $63,940

Anthropology Professor


Growth: 4.0 %
Salary: $85,000

Compliance Manager


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $128,620

Investment Fund Manager


Growth: 16.0 %
Salary: $139,790

Regulatory Affairs Manager


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $128,620

Sociologist


Growth: 4.5 %
Salary: $98,590

Sociology Professor


Growth: 3.7 %
Salary: $78,970

Learn from experts in human history and biology

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 Presidents 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.

Learn from experts in human history and biology

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 Presidents 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 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.

Become a student of the school of Human Evolution and Social 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.

You might also be interested in

Global Studies (BA)

Undergraduate

Global Studies (BA)


Anthropology (BA)

Undergraduate

Anthropology (BA)


History (BA)

Undergraduate

History (BA)


Family & Human Development (BS)

Undergraduate

Family & Human Development (BS)