Studying anthropology elevates your understanding of what it means to be human in past, present and future environments. As a scientific study of humanity, anthropology investigates a wide range of aspects from human evolution and biology to culture, social behavior, language and art. This field invites you to delve into both the scientific and humanistic aspects of our past and present, offering you a deeper appreciation of our shared humanity and our differences.
If you're curious about how and why humans evolved and are eager to explore the significance of culture in our species' success, this program may be a great fit for you. You'll develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are valuable across a range of careers, whether you’re drawn to the social or natural world or the intersection of the two.
What you’ll learn in this anthropology program
In this online anthropology degree, you’ll examine the biological, social and cultural paths that have shaped humanity and evolution across time. You'll 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. You’ll also gain skills in statistical analysis, enabling you to extract meaningful insights from your data.
Whether you're intrigued by the physical aspects of anthropology, such as bones, artifacts and collections, or drawn to the sociocultural dynamics of human societies, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum that provides a solid foundation for diverse careers and advanced studies. With a highly elective structure, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your upper-division coursework to your interests. Additionally, ASU offers a variety of hands-on research opportunities to undergraduate anthropology students.
The differences between a BA and BS in anthropology
When choosing between a BA and a BS in anthropology, it’s important to consider your interests and career goals. If you’re 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 you're more interested in exploring human behavior through archaeology or sociocultural anthropology, or if you prefer a general overview of the field without focusing on a specialty, the BA degree will be ideal for you.
Both the BA and BS programs can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology program equips you with in-depth knowledge of human biology and culture. This program delves into the scientific study of human relationships and behavior, integrating your understanding of our place within the natural world. With enhanced critical thinking and writing skills, you’ll graduate prepared to advance your professional journey with diverse career paths.
The required courses in this program cover key topics related to statistics, evolutionary science and cultural anthropology. You'll also benefit from considerable course flexibility with a diverse selection of engaging and relevant electives to choose from, allowing you to tailor your anthropology degree to your interests.
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
ASU's School of Human Evolution and Social Change is one of the largest and most diverse anthropology programs in the country. Scale is a major asset as students can take classes and work with faculty in any part of the school. We offer an array of popular courses, taught by the same leading faculty who teach in person. As leaders in online instruction, we continually work to improve the quality of the student experience.
in anthropology research expenditures
nationally for publications in top-tier anthropology journals
internationally for publications in top-tier anthropology journals
countries across six continents where our unit has a research presence
objects in our research collections
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”