Anthropology, Minor


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: or
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Are you intrigued by human behavior, history and biology? With the tools to explore the lessons of human nature and a deep understanding of who we are and where we came from, you'll be prepared for success in many different careers.

Program Description

A minor in anthropology completes the academic experience with a focus on the lessons and people that make human societies interesting and challenging to understand, both in the past and in modern times.

An evolutionary anthropology focus is perfect for a premedical track in which a broad evolutionary perspective is important for understanding disease processes. A focus on sociocultural anthropology provides an understanding of human interaction and how social groups function.

Coursework and anthropological training complement many majors. Students enhance their critical thinking skills, learn how to problem-solve creatively and better understand themselves and others.


Program Requirements

The anthropology minor requires a minimum of 18 credit hours, at least 12 of which must be upper division. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) can be used to fulfill minor requirements.
The minor in anthropology is also available in an online format to complement the studies of ASU Online students.
Required Introductory Courses (choose two) -- 6 credit hours
Upper-Division Subfield Courses -- 12 credit hours
Students choose 12 upper-division credit hours from the subfields of archaeology, evolutionary anthropology and sociocultural anthropology (including linguistics). The particular required introductory courses selected may limit the courses available for use as subfield courses. At least two of the three subfields must be represented. (12)
Archaeology Subfield
Physical Subfield
Sociocultural Subfield
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.

Enrollment Requirements

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BA in anthropology; BS in anthropology

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major or the minor program. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and the minor.


Career Outlook

As the many spheres of human interaction expand globally, people trained in anthropology are increasingly sought-after for their broad, holistic knowledge and perspectives --- which are the hallmarks of anthropology --- giving them a competitive edge in the workforce.

An anthropology minor provides graduates with skills beneficial in any career field that requires understanding human behavior and its motivations, including medicine, marketing, business, consulting and human resources.

Career opportunities include positions as:

  • cultural consultants
  • curators
  • forensic scientists
  • health care administrators
  • laboratory technicians
  • nonprofit leaders
  • policy analysts
  • program directors
  • public health professionals
  • researchers and professors

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Anthropologists and Archeologists


  • Growth: 4.2%
  • Median Salary*: 63940

Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 4%
  • Median Salary*: 85000

Archivists


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 58640
  Bright Outlook

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Geographers


  • Growth: 1.1%
  • Median Salary*: 88900

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education


  • Growth: 1%
  • Median Salary*: 62360

Historians


  • Growth: 3.1%
  • Median Salary*: 64540

History Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.3%
  • Median Salary*: 79400

Curators


  • Growth: 11.1%
  • Median Salary*: 60380
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

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