Anthropology ,BA
Anthropologist, Archaeology, Archeologist, Archivist, Bioarchaeology, Cultural Anthropologist, Cultural Resource Manager, Culture, Curator, Evolution, Human Origin, Medical anthropology, Primates, forensic, museum
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.
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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math
intensity: General
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:
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.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
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.
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
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
3.7%
|
$70,770
|
|
|
2.7%
|
$99,650
|
|
|
3.8%
|
$64,550
|
|
|
4.5%
|
$141,900
|
|
|
2.4%
|
$85,020
|
|
|
14.8%
|
$166,570
|
|
|
7.0%
|
$63,420
|
|
|
5.4%
|
$51,440
|
|
|
3.6%
|
$106,030
|
|
|
2.1%
|
$84,290
|
School of Human Evolution & Social Change
|
SHESC 233
shesc.undergrad@asu.edu
480-965-6215
Program term definitions
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.



