Anthropology, BA
Are you intrigued by the wider world and looking for a program that considers the big picture of humans in all times and all places? Study at the No. 1 school for anthropology (National Science Foundation, 2023) and help make the world a better place by finding solutions to today's most complex issues.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human, in the broadest possible terms.
The Bachelor of Arts program in anthropology helps you recognize and solve problems facing the contemporary world through a broad understanding of humanity. Working alongside leading faculty members, you gain experience as an apprentice on research projects. You also have opportunities for hands-on learning through study abroad programs and field schools.
This interdisciplinary program offers you training in the main areas of anthropology, including archaeology, bioarchaeology, sociocultural anthropology and evolutionary anthropology.
If you are enrolled in this program, you may not pursue a concurrent Bachelor of Science in anthropology or BA in global health, but you may add a minor in global health to complement the core curriculum. The BA in anthropology is best suited for you if your interests lie in society, culture and archaeology, while the BS is more suitable if you are interested in science and mathematics-based courses.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ASB 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology |
| ASB 222 Buried Cities and Lost Tribes |
| ASM 104 Bones, Stones, and Human Evolution |
| ASB 394 Special Topics |
| ASB 300 Food and Culture |
| ASB 301 Global History of Health |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze anthropological data practices using core anthropological methods.
- Apply the concept of cultural relativism to interpret cultural practices or behaviors.
- Analyze human biological variation using the principles of evolutionary theory.
Analyze anthropological data practices using core anthropological methods.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Study abroad can be crucial in helping students gain a clearer view of the world, its peoples and the complex challenges that exist for all. There are numerous faculty-directed study abroad programs designed to connect students with issues that impact local communities yet transect boarders. Whether studying environmental health issues in Australia or investigating ancient cultures in France, students can see the world and gain hands-on experience to prepare for a future-focused career through Global Education programs. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in anthropology.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropologist/Archeologist | 6.0% | $70,770 | Learn more |
| Anthropology Professor | 2.6% | $99,650 | Learn more |
| Archivist | 3.4% | $64,550 | Learn more |
| Compliance Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
| Cultural Studies Professor | 2.7% | $85,020 | Learn more |
| Investment Fund Manager | 9.7% | $166,570 | Learn more |
| Museum Curator | 4.9% | $63,420 | Learn more |
| Museum Exhibit Designer | 3.6% | $51,440 | Learn more |
| Sociologist | 3.8% | $106,030 | Learn more |
| Sociology Professor | 2.2% | $84,290 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Graduates have the knowledge and skills they need to find jobs in fields where understanding complex human behavior is important.
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
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Human Evolution & Social Change
|
SHESC 233
shesc.undergrad@asu.edu
480-965-6215
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
