Anthropology, BS
Are you torn between studying history or biology? Explore both while learning about human origins, ancient cultures and what it means to be human. Obtain knowledge of human evolution, adaptability and behavior from the No. 1 school for anthropology (National Science Foundation, 2023), and you'll have an edge when pursuing a career.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences or MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers I or MAT 270 Calculus w/Analytic Geometry I
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
This Bachelor of Science program in anthropology provides data collection, analysis and research design training within the scientific approaches to anthropology.
You learn how to use the scientific method to formulate and test hypotheses and how to gather data through methods such as field surveys, excavation and measurement. You also learn to employ statistics to analyze and extract meaning from data. Through broad anthropological coursework, you learn to ask important questions about the human species and gain the tools to answer them.
This interdisciplinary program offers training in the main areas of anthropology, including archaeology, bioarchaeology, sociocultural anthropology and evolutionary anthropology.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're 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 |
| ASM 300 Anthropological Sciences Seminar |
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 complex 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 |
| Compliance Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
| Investment Fund Manager | 9.7% | $166,570 | Learn more |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | 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
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 scientific modes of anthropology increasingly are sought for the combination of broad, holistic knowledge and perspective, and technical skills.
Career opportunities include:
- analyzing and proposing policies
- conducting postgraduate academic research
- consulting for large and small private and public organizations
- curating cultural resources
- directing nonprofit organizations
- directing programs in the private or public sector
- forensics
- genetics and other laboratory-based positions
- managing cultural resources in public and private sectors
- modeling infectious diseases
- providing health care as nurses, doctors or public health professionals
- teaching
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.
