Learn how and why humans evolved. Explore how our evolutionary biological, social and cultural trajectories help us understand the meaning of being human in past, present and future environments as you develop strong critical-thinking and oral and written expression skills, which are important for success in many careers.
A BA in anthropology lies at the cross-section between complex reasoning, the collection and analysis of data, and pure human ingenuity.
In this degree program students learn how to use the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses and gather qualitative and quantitative data through participant observation, interviewing, ethnographic study, careful excavation and measurement. They also learn how to employ statistics to analyze and extract meaning from data.
A special feature of the ASU anthropology program is its relevance to other disciplines and many exciting hands-on learning opportunities in laboratories and through study abroad and field-based courses.
Using skills gained through this program, graduates discover rewarding career paths and new avenues of public understanding in everything from humankind's historical origins to modern sociocultural intricacies.
Students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in anthropology may not pursue a concurrent degree with the Bachelor of Science in anthropology or the Bachelor of Arts in global health due to the high level of overlap in curriculum. Students should speak with their academic advisor for any further questions.
At A Glance
Anthropology, BA
- Offered by: The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Location: Tempe, Online
- Second Language requirement: Yes
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
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Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
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.
Some 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
- providing healthcare as nurses, doctors or public or global health professionals
- teaching
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. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropologists | 4.5% | $62,280 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary | 10% | $81,580 |
| Archivists | 14.3% | $51,760 |
| Compliance Managers | 8% | $105,610 |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | 10.5% | $72,230 |
| Investment Fund Managers | 8% | $105,610 |
| Curators | 14% | $53,770 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | 12.4% | $40,670 |
| Sociologists | 1.3% | $79,650 |
| Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | 9.8% | $73,080 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are ASU's Online Programs?
ASU Online offers programs like Anthropology in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.