Anthropology, BA
Program Description
Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human, in the broadest possible terms.
The program helps students recognize and solve problems facing the contemporary world through a broad understanding of humanity. Working alongside leading faculty, students gain experience as apprentices on research projects. Students also have opportunities for hands-on learning through study abroad programs and field schools.
The interdisciplinary program offers training in the main areas of anthropology, including archaeology, bioarchaeology, sociocultural anthropology and evolutionary anthropology.
Students enrolled in this program may not pursue a concurrent degree with the Bachelor of Science in anthropology or the Bachelor of Arts in global health, but they may add a minor in global health to complement the core curriculum. The BA in anthropology is primarily for those whose interests lie in society, culture and archaeology, while the BS is primarily taken by students interested in science and mathematics-based courses.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: Yes
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
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Math Intensity:
General
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Graduates have the knowledge and skills they need to find jobs in fields where understanding complex human behavior is important. Anthropologists work in government agencies, the corporate world, nonprofit organizations, and in consulting roles and in private business where their knowledge of human interactions is critical for finding solutions to today's most complex issues.
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 complex problems and work effectively across cultures and languages. As the many spheres of human interaction expand globally, people trained in anthropology are increasingly sought for their broad, holistic knowledge and perspectives, the hallmarks of anthropology.
Career opportunities include:
- acting as legal advocates for displaced communities like refugees in international cases
- analyzing and proposing policies
- conducting postgraduate academic research or teaching
- consulting for private and public organizations
- curating cultural resources
- health system administration or health care professionals
- directing nonprofit organizations
- directing programs in the private or public sector
- managing culture or heritage resources in private or public sectors
- planning pandemic and other disaster response
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:
Anthropologist/Archeologist
- Growth: 5.2%
- Median Salary*: $66,130
Anthropology Professor
- Growth: 4.4%
- Median Salary*: $89,220
Archivist
- Growth: 7.9%
- Median Salary*: $56,760
Compliance Manager
- Growth: %
- Median Salary*:
Cultural Studies Professor
- Growth: 4.9%
- Median Salary*: $78,840
Investment Fund Manager
- Growth: 15.5%
- Median Salary*: $134,180
Museum Curator
- Growth: 12.6%
- Median Salary*: $56,990
Museum Exhibit Designer
- Growth: 11.6%
- Median Salary*: $45,710
Sociologist
- Growth: 3.6%
- Median Salary*: $86,110
Sociology Professor
- Growth: 3.8%
- Median Salary*: $75,610
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
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
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- shesc.undergrad@asu.edu
- 480/965-6215