Program Overview

---

Overview of the Online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology

The online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology program at Arizona State University provides students with in-depth knowledge of human biology and culture. This program delves into the scientific study of human relationships and behavior, integrating understanding of our place within the natural world. With enhanced critical thinking and writing skills, students will graduate prepared to advance their professional journey with diverse career paths.

Program Details

• The program consists of 39 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks, and totals 120 credit hours.
• The next start date for the program is 01/12/2026.
• The program offers a highly elective structure, allowing students to tailor their upper-division coursework to their interests.

What You'll Learn

In this online anthropology degree, students will examine the biological, social, and cultural paths that have shaped humanity and evolution across time. They will learn to apply the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses, gathering both qualitative and quantitative data through methods including participant observation, interviewing, ethnographic study, and precise excavation. Students will also gain skills in statistical analysis, enabling them to extract meaningful insights from their data.

Differences Between a BA and BS in Anthropology

When choosing between a BA and a BS in anthropology, it's essential to consider interests and career goals. If drawn to the scientific and mathematical aspects of the field, including evolutionary anthropology, bioarcheology, or specialized areas of archaeology, the BS degree will be a good fit. On the other hand, if interested in exploring human behavior through archaeology or sociocultural anthropology, or if preferring a general overview of the field without focusing on a specialty, the BA degree will be ideal.

Online Anthropology BA Courses

The required courses in this program cover key topics related to statistics, evolutionary science, and cultural anthropology. Students will also benefit from considerable course flexibility with a diverse selection of engaging and relevant electives to choose from, allowing them to tailor their anthropology degree to their interests.

Example Courses

• ASB 102: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
• ASB 222: Buried Cities and Lost Tribes
• ASM 104: Bones, Stones, and Human Evolution

Career Paths

An anthropology degree provides a strong foundation for a variety of careers. Popular career paths include teaching and research. However, it's essential to note that studies beyond an undergraduate degree are necessary to pursue a career as an anthropologist, archaeologist, or professor. Skills acquired in an undergraduate degree alone prepare students to work in fields related to evaluation and interpretation of data or jobs seeking individuals with a more comprehensive worldview. Potential career paths include, but aren't limited to:

• Anthropologist/Archeologist
• Anthropology Professor
• Archivist
• Compliance Manager
• Cultural Studies Professor
• Investment Fund Manager
• Museum Curator
• Museum Exhibit Designer
• Sociologist

Faculty and Research

The 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 and Sciences, and nine Regents, Foundation, or President's 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 the genus Homo

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ASU, students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed at least 14 of the following courses:

• Four years of math
• Four years of English (non-ESL/ELL courses)
• Three years of lab sciences (One year each from biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences, or physics)
• Two years of social sciences (including one year of American history)
• Two years of the same second language
• One year of fine arts or career and technical education

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Top 25% in their high school graduating class
• 3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = A)
• ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents (24 nonresidents) or SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents (1180 nonresidents)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Use the tuition calculator to estimate full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about financial aid and scholarships.

Conclusion

The online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology program at Arizona State University offers a comprehensive curriculum that provides a solid foundation for diverse careers and advanced studies. With a highly elective structure and the opportunity to work with world-class researchers, students can tailor their degree to their interests and career goals. Whether interested in the scientific and mathematical aspects of anthropology or exploring human behavior through archaeology or sociocultural anthropology, this program is an excellent choice for those looking to advance their professional journey.