Find your perfect college degree
Throughout history, Anthropology has drawn knowledge from the social, biological, and physical sciences to understand the full scope and complexity of cultures. Anthropologists explore how social and cultural worlds differ and what their similarities are, with an emphasis on Human Biology and Evolution.
Anthropology studies people’s past and present habits, beliefs, and human culture. Whether you are pursuing advanced studies to become a professor or entering the research field, an Anthropology degree online sets a strong foundation for them to pursue careers.
The Lowdown
A Bachelor’s in Anthropology is ideal for students interested in the challenging study of humans. It offers instruction in Anthropological research, data gathering, analysis, and research planning using scientific methodologies. Anthropology majors have entry-level occupations involving archaeology, history education, and facility inspection or conservation waiting for them.
Methodology
Take the first step to becoming a bonafide anthropologist by earning a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology online from a reputable college. We put together five of the best programs for prospective students! Each of them stands out with these academic attributes:
- May be completed online or as a hybrid or blended undergraduate degree,
- Features politics, religion, social change, culture evolution, physical Anthropology, sociocultural Anthropology, evolutionary Anthropology, human evolution, Linguistic Anthropology, and civilization as fundamental courses, equipping students with the academic aptitude for a master’s degree and the skills for entry-level work,
- Teaches students the basic scientific and social science research methods of Anthropology, including conducting field surveys, excavation, and measurement,
- Features a curriculum with Anthropology courses developed by tenured anthropologists and experts,
- Enhances students’ analytical, collaboration, teamwork, leadership, and creative skills while building up their confidence to overcome the demands of the field,
- Develops graduates’ skills so they can contribute proactively to their respective research firms, companies, institutions, organizations, and businesses,
- Offers federal aid and other forms of financial assistance such as scholarships, tuition discounts, grants, and student loans,
- Earned regional accreditation from colleges and schools commission agencies and academic organizations and recognized by industry associations.
Learn about our ranking process. Visit our Methodology page.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Anthropology
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
A Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology is available at Arizona State University. Throughout the curriculum, you will develop your writing and critical thinking abilities. These skills will aid you as you advance in your chosen industry and are useful for various career paths.
The faculty includes experts in anthropology, genetics, and bioarchaeology. In addition to other advantages, online students have access to 24/7 personal counseling services and technology assistance support.
There are several start dates available for ASU’s bachelor’s degree program in anthropology. Each online course lasts for 7.5 weeks. The 39 courses that comprise the 120 credits required for the BA in anthropology include an anthropology practicum. Students participate in virtual field trips and browse the digital database of fossils and artifacts kept by ASU.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Award-winning online versions of their most popular courses are available to students pursuing an online anthropology degree and a large selection of other course alternatives. You can conduct virtual field trips to well-known places like Teotihuacan and go to the university’s collection of digital fossil casts and human remains.
An expedited master’s program is another option for obtaining this bachelor’s degree. If accepted, online undergraduate students might be able to get their graduate degree in as little as a year after finishing their bachelor’s degree.
Did You Know?
A degree in Anthropology from ASU offers a solid base for a wide range of occupations. Teaching and research are two popular career paths. After receiving an undergraduate degree, however, you need to pursue other education or qualifications to become an anthropology professor or expert.
That said, bachelor’s degree holders are equipped to work in fields that demand the examination and analysis of data or positions that favor people with a more expansive worldview.
University of Florida
Online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
The University of Florida has an Online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology program that provides a well-rounded understanding of the topic. They discuss how globalization affects social and cultural diversity. The vast, all-encompassing science of Anthropology aims to comprehend humanity from prehistoric periods to the present.
With an online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology, you can explore career options in the public sector, the commercial sector, community organizations, teaching, health, research, and the media.
The University of Florida’s Anthropology program graduates gain a worldwide perspective on a discipline that combines the sciences and the humanities by developing their in-depth research, analytics, data management, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
Four main subfields of Anthropology can be pursued in this online degree:
- Archaeology
- Linguistics
- Biological anthropology
- Cultural anthropology
What Makes this Program Unique:
Combining an interdisciplinary concentration with another major or minor is possible with UF Online’s Anthropology program. A student must pass 34 out of 120 credits to complete the Anthropology undergraduate program.
Did You Know?
This UF online program is known for excellent instruction, providing flexible class options with the same academic rigor that makes them a top university and research institution. Graduates are awarded their college degrees in the same manner as they would have been on campus.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
The University of Nevada at Las Vegas‘ Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology focuses on cultural variety, evolutionary roots, and biological underpinnings.
Anthropology students conduct research to meet course requirements or develop specific research programs in our on-site laboratories in collaboration with their experts. Throughout the program, they build general and discipline-specific competency in comprehending and applying the scientific process.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The UNLV Department of Anthropology is committed to undergraduate training, community-based research, and scholarly pursuits. The curriculum integrates methodological and theoretical approaches to the discipline. The Department offers global and local courses and research projects.
Did You Know?
A critical aspect of UNLV’s Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology curriculum is insight into political, economic, and social institutions. The online program expands students’ view of cultural and ethnic diversity from a contemporary global perspective, helping them analyze and address complex issues in an ethical manner.
Florida International University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies: Anthropology
The Florida International University online Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies – Anthropology program explores how culture, politics, economy, and ecology intersect in the age of globalization.
A strong theoretical and methodological social science curriculum is offered to meet the needs of an evolving global workforce. From the evolution of our species to how people live today around the globe, anthropology studies the entire human experience.
The minimum GPA for graduation is 2.0 and 120 credits must be earned. SAT or ACT scores and high school transcripts are required for application to the program. The primary objective of an anthropology degree is to comprehend the diversity of human experience in the modern world.
It explores how and why people perceive the world and live in it differently. Prejudice, intolerance, and conflict are caused by and exacerbated by these inequities.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students who major in Anthropology or Global Studies at FIU go on to work in professions where it’s critical to comprehend people’s diverse cultural backgrounds. FIU graduates become well-equipped to assess and address issues concerning diversity.
Did You Know?
As global connectivity expands and the strategies for effective communication change, social behaviors and trends also evolve, affecting the global economy and workforce. These concerns form a critical aspect of FIU’s online undergraduate Anthropology curriculum.
Oregon State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology or Bachelor of Science in Anthropology
Both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Anthropology programs are offered by Oregon State University. These programs foster independent thinking, effective communication, and social participation, blending the principles of the Humanities and the Sciences.
Anthropology online bachelor’s degree students must complete the 180 credit requirement. They can opt to earn additional credits on top of their undergraduate core. The options are:
- Archaeology
- Biocultural
- Cultural/Linguistic
- General Anthropology
What Makes this Program Unique:
As an OSU Ecampus student, you can select from a variety of online minors or undergraduate certificates to supplement your degree program. Students can combine Anthropology and the Undergraduate Certificate in Food in Culture and Social Justice.
They can create a modern resume that is relevant to the modern work market by minoring in Business or Environmental sciences.
Did You Know?
- Students who want to pursue an Honors degree in their academic major can apply online for honors degrees.
- The online Anthropology degree allows students to engage in co-curricular activities, complete a comprehensive thesis experience, and collaborate with teachers.
Tips to Become an Anthropologist
The following steps can help you plan your career as an anthropologist:
Enroll in an online Bachelor’s in Anthropology.
An anthropology major is available at many colleges and universities. Each college and university has different particular areas of emphasis, so when selecting a school to attend, take into account researching the unique major and minor offers.
When choosing a college, don’t forget to take other variables like location and fees into account. Go for a program that is reputable and comes with experienced professors.
Choose to concentrate on a special field.
As an anthropologist, you can select a specialty during your undergraduate studies from biological, cultural, linguistic, or archeological anthropology. There are numerous subcategories inside each of these categories, allowing for greater specialization.
Be sure to investigate all of your alternatives because your undergraduate area of study may influence your graduate studies and career as a professional anthropologist. Think about the ways that different specialties may intersect.
Consider applying for certifications.
You can study and exhibit particular talents with the aid of industry certificates. They might be acknowledged by your sector in your town or city or elsewhere, which would increase your employability. Some certifications may have prerequisites.
Self-study or enroll in short courses.
There is no shortage of online resources and short courses in the field of anthropology. You learn specific skills through short courses. Most short courses are open to beginners without any entry requirements. There are some that come with no charges or fees. Your skill set can be updated, or you can prepare for a career change by working with them.
Consider graduate school.
Master’s and doctorate degrees are common advanced credentials for anthropologists. Consider enrolling in an advanced degree program in your field of specialization after completing your undergraduate studies.
Consult a mentor about your graduate school goals, and when choosing a program, keep things like funding, location, and faculty specialization in mind. Try to make use of the opportunities you may have while in graduate school to conduct research and publish your findings.
Courses to Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Anthropology
Anthropology Ethics
Since studying human groups can raise ethical issues, this course will give you a framework to assess people’s beliefs and behaviors.
Anthropological Theory
Because it introduces them to the essential theories within the field of anthropology, students often enroll in this course early on. Various anthropological theories are covered in the course as they have developed since the 1800s.
Anthropology for Today’s World
Although anthropologists frequently research ancient populations and cultures, this course will show how anthropology methods can influence modern society for the better.
Ethnographic Methods
This course examines ethnography, or the systematic study of particular cultures, which is another key topic in the curricula for anthropology majors. Both quantitative and qualitative research techniques are used to teach students about this field of social science study.
Archaeology
The function of archaeology in anthropology as well as the methods employed by archaeologists will be covered in an introductory archaeology course. Students will learn about archaeology in this subject, which is the study of ancient cultures through their material remnants.
Students will get a basic understanding of the theory and technique of archaeological research and apply these concepts in a practical assignment.
Fieldwork
Many anthropology programs mandate that students participate in anthropological fieldwork, where they conduct their own independent research study. Typically, students develop their own fieldwork projects based on their interests and take them out under the guidance of academics.
Professional Anthropology
You might look at the employment options for anthropology majors early on in your studies so that you can begin organizing a course progression that moves you toward your career objectives. Professional anthropology can help you with this preparation.
Museum Studies
This course, which covers themes like museum preservation, research, and education, may be useful to those who want to work in the museum sector. The ethical issues related to operating and curating museums are also covered in this course. As part of this subject, students frequently visit museums.
Skills Necessary for Anthropologists
Understanding Human Diversity
An anthropology major will learn about various cultures and how they may differ from one’s own experience and expectations. The student is likely to develop cultural sensitivity in interactions not only with coworkers and clients but with everyone they meet.
Thanks to these skills, you could be able to live and work in a more varied and interconnected environment.
Cultural Awareness and Interpersonal Skills
An anthropologist should have a keen grasp of the human situation and be aware of diverse cultures. They should have the capacity to learn about attitudes, habits, and beliefs, as well as sensitivity to differences in culture and diversity.
Moreover, you should have interpersonal skills in order to progress successfully in research and observations.
Effective Communication Skills
The field of Anthropology also promotes oral and written communication skills. Anthropologists, in fact, assert that knowledge can only be useful if it is communicated with others. Effective communication requires clear speaking and writing.
Additionally, one must be aware of their audience and provide pertinent background information.
Because they study and engage with a wide variety of people, such as members of the community, employees, and those who support research, anthropologists have the ability to tailor their message to the needs of the receiving group. Skills in report writing and presentation creation are highly sought-after in various professions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology online?
It usually takes four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Most online bachelor’s students need 120 credits, which you may typically complete in 8 semesters of full-time study. However, sometimes a quicker finish is achievable.
To allow students to take classes year-round and graduate sooner, some universities adopt accelerated academic calendars. Additionally, taking fewer classes at your current university may be possible if you transfer credits from other universities.
On the other hand, enrolling part-time can lengthen your program. However, part-time study may be an advantageous alternative for students juggling a number of commitments.
Is an Anthropology degree worth it?
The Labor Statistics Bureau is predicting that employment opportunities for anthropologists and archaeologists will increase by 8% in the next decade.
Importantly, to practice as an anthropologist, you must earn a postgraduate qualification in the field.
A national park or historic site may have an archeological site that has to be managed and protected by an anthropologist. To ensure that designs adhere to government guidelines for site preservation, anthropologists inspect construction sites.
Some anthropologists actively carry out research, going on the field to study present-day or historical civilizations in far-off places.
Graduates can work in academia, writing, or museums as they pursue advanced learning or graduate studies in these fields.
An Anthropological degree could also be useful for law, business, or medicine careers.
What can graduates do upon completing a Bachelor’s in Anthropology program?
Aspiring anthropologists and archaeologists can start as lab technicians, field workers, or research assistants.
Anthropology majors may also find employment in related sectors that use their knowledge of and experience with social structures and societies.
Some of these positions are:
- managers of social or community services,
- community health workers,
- advocates for human rights and social justice,
- museum technicians,
- experts in historic preservation,
- and members of the legislative or administrative staff.
How much money do Anthropology majors make?
You might be able to start working as an assistant or fieldworker with a bachelor’s degree, but you’ll require a master’s or doctorate to get real anthropological status.
The additional research is worthwhile because employed anthropologists earn an average salary of about $63,800 annually.
Summary Points
- The study of humans in the past or the present is known as Anthropology. It is regarded as a subcategory of Archaeology, the study of people and places in the past.
- Anthropology is the comparative study of human diversity throughout history and around the globe. The humanities, social sciences, as well as biological, physical, and evolutionary sciences are all included in its purview.
Additional Resources:
