Anthropology Degrees
Anthropology degrees are ideal for students with interests in history and the development of cultures and civilizations. Generally, anthropology programs offer a multidisciplinary study that draws from the natural, physical, and social sciences; world languages, humanities, and various religions, beliefs, and traditions.
Anthropology degrees may be offered on campus or online, while some programs deliver both in-person and online curriculums. For online courses, students should have access to a computer and internet to utilize digital classroom tools such as email, forums, assignments, and exams.
Students in anthropology degree programs have the potential to gain transferable skills, such as writing, analytical and critical thinking, data interpretation, time-management, problem-solving, and communication. They may also gain an awareness of important humanistic and societal topics regarding interactions between individuals and populations, as well as the power of language. Depending on the degree level of study, anthropology majors typically have several career options in wide-ranging industries; such as government, education, business, nonprofits, advocacy, museums and healthcare.
The Best Bachelors Degree Programs in Anthropology
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Los Angeles | $13240 | 12% | 92% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $8980 | 23% | 91% | 65% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Western Washington University | $8343 | 90% | 68% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | University of California-Riverside | $13853 | 57% | 76% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Duke University | $57931 | 8% | 95% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | University of Maryland-College Park | $10779 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | CUNY Lehman College | $7410 | 38% | 53% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | University of California-Berkeley | $14253 | 16% | 93% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | Dartmouth College | $57204 | 8% | 95% | 62% | Yes | Yes | N/A |
| 11 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | University of California-Davis | $14495 | 39% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | Binghamton University | $10201 | 41% | 82% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16540 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | University of Utah | $8615 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $9335 | 67% | 52% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | University of California-San Diego | $14415 | 31% | 87% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | Harvard University | $51925 | 5% | 97% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | SUNY College at Geneseo | $8927 | 65% | 80% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | University of California-Santa Barbara | $14391 | 30% | 83% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $13264 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | University of California-Santa Cruz | $13991 | 51% | 75% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | CUNY Hunter College | $7382 | 35% | 57% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | University of Houston | $9221 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | Central Washington University | $8273 | 85% | 58% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | University of Wyoming | $4747 | 96% | 60% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 28 | James Madison University | $12206 | 77% | 84% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 29 | Southern Oregon University | $10479 | 78% | 46% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 30 | San Francisco State University | $7266 | 67% | 57% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | $5720 | 97% | 65% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $11084 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 33 | Columbia University in the City of New York | $60578 | 5% | 95% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | St. Mary's College of Maryland | $15124 | 84% | 77% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | Sonoma State University | $7880 | 91% | 62% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | California State University-Sacramento | $7368 | 82% | 55% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | Oregon State University | $11715 | 82% | 67% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | University of Iowa | $9606 | 83% | 72% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 39 | University of Colorado Boulder | $12500 | 78% | 69% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Princeton University | $52800 | 6% | 98% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $15027 | 57% | 83% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | University of Nevada-Reno | $8184 | 88% | 61% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | The University of Montana | $7354 | 94% | 45% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $11962 | 75% | 68% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | University at Buffalo | $10524 | 61% | 75% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | University of Massachusetts-Boston | $14613 | 76% | 49% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | University of California-Irvine | $13727 | 27% | 84% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $7396 | 55% | 69% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | CUNY Queens College | $7538 | 49% | 56% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Anthropology Degrees Are There?
Students can obtain anthropology degrees at every degree level (associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate). Certificates are also available in various anthropological topics. We will discuss these degrees in further detail below.
Associate Degrees in Anthropology
Associate degrees in anthropology are designed to offer foundational knowledge of anthropological concepts and developments in prehistoric to modern-era human studies. Students in associate-level anthropology programs typically learn research methods and composition skills that can be utilized to solve human and societal issues.
Anthropology associate degree programs usually include 60 credits of general education courses in math, science, and reading and writing; as well as several anthropology elective courses. Associate degrees typically take about two years to complete.
A two-year anthropology degree is usually an Associate of Arts (AA). You might also find an AA-T in Anthropology, which is a degree specifically designed to transfer to a 4-year school. Graduates with associate degrees in anthropology tend to continue their studies in a bachelor's degree program or seek entry-level employment as museum workers, administrative associates, or social work assistants.
Bachelor's Degrees in Anthropology
Bachelor's degrees in anthropology aim to provide a more in-depth study of key anthropological topics, typically offering specializations in the four subfields: archaeology or linguistic, cultural, or biological anthropology. Students in bachelor's anthropology programs may examine several historical, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives while applying their learning to the study of governments, diversity, and global development.
Bachelor's degrees take about four years to complete and include about 120 credits of general education requirements, core requirements, and electives. An undergraduate degree in anthropology typically culminates in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). We will discuss the difference between these degree types below.
Graduates with bachelor's degrees in anthropology typically have several career options in advocacy, government, social work, resource management, healthcare, or museums. Some students also choose to continue their anthropology education in a graduate degree program for additional career opportunities in research, law, and academia.
Master's Degrees in Anthropology
Getting a master's degree in anthropology is necessary for students who wish to pursue a career as an anthropologist, researcher, or postsecondary educator. These graduate-level degree programs are designed to provide a more advanced theoretical and scientific study of anthropological topics, including an examination of methodologies and issues related to the anthropology sub-fields. Students in master's anthropology degree programs are typically encouraged to concentrate on one of the four sub-fields, as well.
Master's degree programs usually consist of 30 to 36 credits of anthropological coursework and take about two years to complete. Students pursuing a master's degree in anthropology may need to partake in lab and field research, internships, assistantships, and other types of training; and most programs require that students submit a thesis/dissertation and defense before graduation.
A master's degree in anthropology is usually a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS). Students may also pursue related program titles, such as Biomedical Anthropology or Applied Anthropology.
Doctoral Degrees in Anthropology
A doctorate in anthropology is the highest level of scholarship students can pursue to become experts in their field. With a rigorous curriculum of highly-specialized course offerings, doctoral students typically pursue this degree level to become researchers and university professors.
Program durations vary quite a bit by the school; however, many curriculums take around three to five years to complete. Doctoral anthropology programs require that students hold a master's degree in anthropology, while some schools also ask that students demonstrate elementary skills in a foreign language. Students pursuing a doctorate in anthropology can expect to participate in extensive research in their specialization and culminate their studies with a formal presentation of their work.
Additional academic opportunities for doctoral students may include the development of a unique curriculum under the supervision of a faculty member, teaching apprenticeships, and professional training. A doctorate in anthropology is typically a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
Certificates in Anthropology
Students may enroll in undergraduate or graduate anthropology-related certificate programs. Certificates offer students the opportunity to explore the foundations of cultural, historical, and societal perspectives with the potential to improve or enhance their skills for entry-level employment or career advancement.
Depending on the program, anthropology certificates typically consist of 12 to 18 credits and may take about a year to complete. There are several niche anthropology certificate programs available for students to choose from; such as Organizational Anthropology, Historical Archaeology and Cultural Resource Management, Public Anthropology, Global Human Diversity, and Ethnography of Communication.
Individuals who do not wish to enroll in a college may also opt to take free online anthropology courses; however, these types of courses usually do not result in college credit or a degree.
Anthropology Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
There are four sub-fields of anthropology and most bachelor's degree programs offer students the opportunity to concentrate on one or more areas: archaeology, linguistic anthropology, cultural anthropology, or biological anthropology. Students may also decide not to concentrate on a specific track and instead gain broader anthropological knowledge by taking several courses from each sub-field.
Archaeology
A concentration in archaeology is designed for students to gain an understanding of human history by examining artifacts and other excavated materials; for example, how early humans made tools, global perspectives, early construction, and the relationship between humans and environments. Students who concentrate on archaeology must usually further their education for research positions. However, a bachelor's degree is typically acceptable to work in museums, archives, and other cultural resource and heritage management roles.
Linguistic Anthropology
A concentration in linguistic anthropology investigates several communication perspectives and languages, allowing students to gain a greater understanding of where languages originated, how they've developed, and their influence on cultures and societies. Students in this concentration may gain foundational knowledge for entry-level linguistic anthropologist careers, although further education is usually necessary. Graduates who study linguistic anthropology may also gain research, analytical thinking, and presentation skills for employment in communications, advertising, education, or technical writing.
Cultural Anthropology
A concentration in cultural anthropology examines and compares diverse aspects of human culture and society, including race, ancestry, traditions, religions, art, politics, gender, sexuality, etc. Typically, students who concentrate on cultural anthropology gain problem-solving, critical thinking, intercultural communication, and research skills that allow them to solve complex world problems with cultural understanding and consideration. While a cultural anthropologist career requires at least a master's degree, bachelor-level employment may be obtained in marketing, advocacy, market research, healthcare, nonprofit, and communications.
Biological Anthropology
A concentration in biological anthropology examines the evolution of humans, non-human primates, and prehistoric human ancestors that have gone extinct. Topics in this concentration may include gene structure, primatology, paleopathology, osteology, and forensics. Although research careers in biological anthropology typically require a graduate-level degree, many graduates with bachelor's degrees may find employment in forensic science, museums and archives, and healthcare.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology
Undergraduate anthropology programs typically offer a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses the four sub-fields of anthropology. In most cases, the first half of a four-year degree program focuses on general education requirements (usually fulfilled in an associate degree program), while the second half devotes itself to anthropology core courses and electives.
Anthropology programs are quite distinct from school to school. However, the following course titles are frequently offered at the bachelor's degree level:
- Human Osteology
- Ethnographic Research Methods
- Prehistoric Archaeology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Linguistic Anthropology
Ethnographic Research Methods
This course is designed for students to learn the methodologies used to conduct ethnographic research of human characteristics, interactions, and relationships as they relate to the overall investigation of cultures and societies. Course topics and practicum typically include research design, interviewing participants, observations, taking notes, and data analysis and interpretation.
Cultural Anthropology
This course is usually offered as a prerequisite of anthropology programs or cultural anthropology tracks. Focusing on the foundational methods and concepts used to explore global cultures and societies, students typically read case studies to better understand how humans have developed and adapted over time, while also investigating various cultural perspectives, religions and traditions, politics, gender, and sexuality.
Linguistic Anthropology
This course is typically offered as a prerequisite of anthropology programs or linguistic anthropology concentrations. Students typically gain introductory knowledge of language within cultures and societies, becoming better acquainted with the role and impact language has on human interactions. Course topics may also address other cross-cultural forms and patterns of communication.
Difference Between Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) Anthropology Degree Programs
Undergraduate students may pursue a BA or BS degree in anthropology. There is a significant difference between the two curriculums, however, and students should consider what their academic and professional aspirations are in correlation with their intended degree type.
BA degrees in anthropology tend to provide a comprehensive overview of anthropological topics while drawing from the seven humanities disciplines (religion, linguistics, philosophy, arts, history, languages, and literature) whereas a BS degree approaches anthropological studies with an emphasis on natural and physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics.
While either degree type typically lends itself to a host of employment opportunities, a BS may be more appropriate for students who wish to advance their learning in a graduate program to pursue careers as medical anthropologists or paleoanthropologists; fields which may involve a combination of laboratory and fieldwork, data analyzation, research skills, and experience using computer software and tools.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Anthropology?
Generally, anthropology bachelor's degree programs take about four years to complete. However, several factors may further determine program durations such as whether a student is enrolled in school part-time or full-time, if summer course offerings are available, and whether students partake in internships or study abroad programs.
Additionally, some undergraduate programs offer an accelerated dual-degree curriculum in which students may graduate with a graduate-level degree in anthropology. These types of programs are usually longer than the average four-year bachelor's degree, but take less time than a typical two-year master's program.
Enrolling in a School for Anthropology Bachelor's Degree Program
Prospective first-year students interested in applying to college should visit their intended schools' websites to learn about the application process. In general, colleges follow similar admissions guidelines that include filling out an online application or the Common Application, as well as submitting supplemental documents that include high school transcripts, transferable credits, letters of recommendation, SAT and other test scores, and college essays. Colleges typically charge a nominal application fee to submit these materials.
Transfer applicants often follow similar application procedures (filling out an online application, submitting official transcripts and test scores, etc.); however, some colleges may also require that transfer applicants meet a minimum grade point average for consideration.
While many anthropology programs do not typically have separate admissions criteria, students should visit the program's website to see if they must meet a minimum grade point average or if they need to complete any prerequisite courses to be admitted into the program. An admissions representative from the college can assist students to ensure they meet any application deadlines and submit all the necessary documents.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Anthropology Degrees
Accreditation is given to colleges and universities that have met the high academic standards set by various accrediting agencies. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes reputable accreditors, such as regional organizations like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Students must attend an accredited college or university to receive federal financial aid. Many financial aid opportunities and even employers require that students currently attend or have graduated from an accredited school, as well.
Although some degree programs receive specialized programmatic accreditation, anthropology programs typically do not. Students can check to see what their school's regional accreditations are by visiting the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited colleges and universities or their college's website.
Anthropology Licensure & Certification
Anthropology majors have several career options and do not typically require licensure or certification to work in their respective fields. However, many graduates and working professionals pursue other kinds of credentialing to demonstrate their industry expertise and stand out amongst their peers.
The Certified Archivist credential is available to those who work in classifying, arranging, and preserving various kinds of valued data, records, and images. Candidates usually hold a master's degree and must pass a multiple-choice exam. Credentials must be recertified every five years.
Anthropology majors who are employed as market research analysts may obtain the Insights Professional Certification (IPC) through the Insights Association. Candidates can choose between three certification levels depending on the number of years they've worked in the field. To apply, prospective IPC holders must fill out an application and pass a comprehensive exam. Individuals are encouraged to maintain their credentials by completing ten continuing education credits per year on an honor-based system.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology?
Although individuals who aspire to work as anthropology researchers must obtain a master's degree or doctorate, graduates with bachelor-level anthropology degrees usually have wide-ranging career options to choose from. Anthropology majors have the potential to gain marketable competencies from their programs, such as critical thinking, advanced writing skills, research, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in anthropology-related careers had a median salary of:
- Museum Worker: $49,850
- Market Research Analyst: $63,790
- Social and Community Service Manager: $67,150
- Communications Specialist: $61,150
- Social Worker: $50,470
- Survey Researcher: $59,170
How to Become a Survey Researcher
Survey researchers may be employed at research companies, nonprofits, businesses, or polling organizations. Typically, survey researchers work closely with the public by conducting interviews in-person or other modes of communication, facilitating focus groups, and analyzing, interpreting, and presenting their findings to clients and executives.
By generating and conducting surveys, survey researchers can obtain accurate data that identifies public opinion as it relates to politics, healthcare, culture, mental health, products and services, education, etc.
According to the BLS, as data collection methods and technologies advance, the job outlook for survey researchers is projected to decrease by 4 percent (2019-2029).
How to Become a Social Worker
Graduates with bachelor's anthropology degrees may pursue careers as social workers. These professionals aim to assist individuals and communities in coping with difficult everyday challenges. Some of the responsibilities of this job include researching community resources for clients, assessing the needs of individuals and groups, note-taking and maintaining records, crisis management, and advocating on the behalf of those in need.
At the bachelor level, social workers may work with organizations, community centers, and local government departments to create or enhance special programs, services, and policies that benefit the people in their communities. Social workers should have exceptional communication skills, empathy, interpersonal skills, organization skills, and problem-solving skills.
According to the BLS, the job outlook for social workers is projected to increase by 13 percent (2019-2029).
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Anthropology Degrees
Students who need assistance paying for their education can seek financial aid from the federal government. To determine how much money they qualify for, students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility requirements include enrollment at an accredited U.S. college or university, proof of citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, and the ability to demonstrate financial need. Additional information regarding federal financial aid and eligibility can be found on the FAFSA website.
Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are other financial aid options that might be available to you. Scholarship opportunities are widely available online and students can even apply to scholarships related to their major. Other financial assistance may come from employer tuition reimbursement programs, work-study programs, and military/veteran benefits.
Students should visit the financial aid office at their colleges for more information regarding tuition and financing, financial aid services, and scholarship opportunities. Below are a couple of examples of scholarships you might find.
Dora J. Prieto Scholarship
Available to students at California State University, San Bernadino, the Dora J. Prieto Scholarship is a need-based award that offers varying amounts to students with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Preference is given to anthropology majors.
The Carrie Hunter-Tate Award for Anthropology Students
Members of the National Association of Student Anthropologists (NASA) can apply for the Carrie Hunter-Tate Award. This $500 scholarship requires an essay, transcripts and a geographical area of interest.
