Anthropology, Minor


At a Glance: program details

Minor Map

  • Location: or
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Are you intrigued by human behavior, history and biology? Explore the lessons of human nature through a deep understanding of who we are and where we came from, preparing you for success in many different careers.

Program Description

A minor program in anthropology completes the academic experience by focusing on the lessons and people that make human societies so interesting and challenging to understand, both in the past and in modern times.

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

Coursework in anthropology complements many majors, and anthropological training provides a competitive advantage in the workforce as students 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

The critical thinking skills learned in this minor program are beneficial in any career field that requires understanding human behavior and its motivations, including medicine, marketing, business, consulting and human resources.

The demand in the job market for people with an anthropology background is stimulated by a growing need for researchers and analysts with keen thinking skills who can manage, evaluate and interpret large amounts of data. As the many spheres of human interaction expand globally, people trained in anthropology are increasingly sought for their broad, holistic knowledge and perspectives, which are the hallmarks of anthropology.

Career opportunities include:

  • acting as legal advocates in international cases
  • analyzing and proposing policies
  • conducting postgraduate academic research
  • consulting for private and public organizations
  • curating cultural resources
  • directing nonprofit organizations
  • directing programs in the private or public sector
  • managing culture or heritage resources in private or public sectors
  • modeling infectious diseases
  • planning communities
  • teaching

Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

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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