Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology Degrees

Accredited colleges and universities offer online anthropology programs at the certificate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Anthropology students study the development of human cultures and societies through coursework in disciplines like ethnography, paleoanthropology, and fieldwork. We also highlight the best schools for prospective online anthropology students, ranked based on tuition rates and alumni salary data provided by PayScale.

When deciding which online anthropology degree program to attend, students should select a school that is regionally accredited to ensure that they receive an education that meets national standards. Only students who enroll in accredited institutions are eligible for federal financial aid.

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2020 Best Online Colleges Offering Bachelor's in Anthropology Degrees

Rank	School	Annual Tuition	Mid-Career Salary
# 1	#1 Arizona State University	$15,900	$75,000
# 2	#2 University of Central Florida	$11,515	$65,900
# 3	#3 Washington State University	$11,550	$59,600
# 4	#4 Colorado State University - Fort Collins	$14,280	$56,000
# 5	#5 University of Florida	$15,000	$56,200
# 6	#6 University of Memphis	$15,390	$45,900

2020 Online Colleges Offering Anthropology Degrees - Ranking Details

#1 Arizona State University

• Annual Tuition: $15,900
• Median Salary: $75,000
• Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
• Accreditation: HLC

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The online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at Arizona State University explores human evolution from a biological, social, and cultural perspective. Students in the program will learn how to use the scientific method to examine data and form hypotheses, and get qualitative and quantitative information through data analysis. The curriculum helps students develop their critical thinking and communication skills, which are useful in a variety of fields and industries. The program requires 39 classes for a total of 120 credits; each class is seven and a half weeks long. Examples of courses include Statistics for Social Scientists, Bones, Stones, and Human Evolution, and Buried Cities and Lost Tribes. The classes are accessible on the Canvas online platform. Students can also use the Canvas platform to view an academic calendar, access email and discussion forums, track their grades, and submit assignments. Prospective first-year students must have fewer than 12 transferable credits and at least a 2.5 GPA. Eligible students can submit an online application, transcripts, and test scores for consideration. Resources for online students include career services, academic services, and counseling.

#2 University of Central Florida

• Annual Tuition: $11,515
• Median Salary: $65,900
• Locations: Orlando (FL) (and 7 others)
• Accreditation: SACS COC

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The University of Central Florida’s online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology program teaches students about the evolution of modern society through an analysis of world history. The sub focuses of the program include archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and physical anthropology. The curriculum explores the concepts and processes used in anthropology and prepares students for research and fieldwork. Students use the Canvas learning management system to submit assignments, take quizzes, participate in classroom discussions, and find their lesson materials. Canvas also provides access to resources such as technical support, academic advising and coaching, accessibility services, tutoring, counseling, and career development services. Graduates can choose to explore advanced studies in the field of anthropology or immediately pursue career opportunities. This program is available to students who have completed 12 or more transferable college credits, with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Eligible students can apply online by submitting an online application, their high school and previous college transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. Transcripts must indicate that students have fulfilled certain requirements, including a foreign language competency requirement and English composition coursework.

#3 Washington State University

• Annual Tuition: $11,550
• Median Salary: $59,600
• Locations: Pullman (WA)
• Accreditation: NWCCU

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There are three online bachelor’s in anthropology program options at Washington State University. One is the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, which offers a foundation in anthropology concepts and practices.The program emphasizes cultural anthropology, but students can choose from many courses that focus on various other subtopics. The other two options are the Anthropology concentration chosen through a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities or a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. Students in the Anthropology concentration programs will build their skills in critical thinking, research, cultural sensitivity, and communication. The coursework for all three majors is available through the Blackboard learning management system. The Blackboard platform streamlines the online learning process. It is used by students to submit assignments, take quizzes, access their lesson materials, and communicate with their instructors or fellow students. To apply to one of the anthropology programs at Washington State University, interested students can fill out an online application and submit their transcripts and standardized test scores. Students who are older than 25 years old must also submit a professional resume and a short personal essay. While enrolled at WSU, program participants have access to career development services, peer tutoring, academic advising, and disability resources. Graduates may choose to enroll in a graduate program to conduct fieldwork or pursue career opportunities in the public or private sectors.

#4 Colorado State University - Fort Collins

• Annual Tuition: $14,280
• Median Salary: $56,000
• Locations: Fort Collins (CO)
• Accreditation: HLC

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The online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology program at Colorado State University-Fort Collins focuses on cultural relativism, which allows students to put aside their personal experiences and perceptions as they explore other cultures. Students examine human culture through the lenses of politics, society, economics, and the environment to build skills that will enable them to work with diverse groups of people. There is an option to attend one of three in-person summer field experiences. Though not required, these hands-on opportunities can supplement the online coursework. Canvas is used as the online learning management system and is accessible 24/7. Students use Canvas to organize their lesson materials, submit assignments, participate in classroom discussions, and check their grades. Classes may require synchronous learning; however, students primarily work independently and at their convenience. Online programs at Colorado State University-Fort Collins are identical to the traditional, on-campus programs. Distance learners also have access to many of the same resources, including tutoring, the Morgan Library’s virtual database, academic advising, and the Career Center. Prospective students can submit an online application and choose from one of three program start dates. Applicants must have at least a 2.0 from all previous high school or college coursework (although a 2.5 GPA is preferred.) Transcripts are required for consideration, and ACT or SAT scores are optional.

#5 University of Florida

• Annual Tuition: $15,000
• Median Salary: $56,200
• Locations: Gainesville (FL)
• Accreditation: SACS COC

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There are two online bachelor's in anthropology degree options at the University of Florida. The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology addresses the social and cultural aspects of anthropology from a global view. Students can choose from four concentrations: Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Linguistics. Graduates of this program often explore careers as archivists, conservationists, geographers, museum curators, sociologists, and urban planners in both the government and private sectors. The other option is the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Anthropology. This program offers a foundation in business principles and explores different cultures through the focus in anthropology. Online classes are accessed using a virtual platform called eLearning, which is an extension of the Canvas learning management system. The majority of the coursework is asynchronous, allowing students to work at their own pace. Students can opt to study on a full-time or part-time schedule, and the programs offer the same academic integrity as the on-campus versions. Online students at the University of Florida have access to numerous tools and resources, including free tutoring, disability services, library access, and career development support. There are four start dates for the online programs; however, admission takes place year-round. Admission requirements include academic transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA, and ACT or SAT scores. After completing an online application, prospective students can view their application status online.

#6 University of Memphis

• Annual Tuition: $15,390
• Median Salary: $45,900
• Locations: Memphis (TN)
• Accreditation: SACS COC

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At the University of Memphis, individuals interested in the study of the evolution of humans can earn their Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology online. Coursework focuses on cultural and biological anthropology and archaeology. Students will develop a variety of skills including critical thinking, writing, research, and analysis. Graduates of this online anthropology degree program can pursue advanced study in the field or a number of different careers in fields that value strong interpersonal skills. To graduate the program, students must complete at least 120 credits, 30 of which must be in the anthropology major. An honors program is available for high-performing students seeking further academic challenges. Online students have remote access to on-campus resources, including disability services, counseling, writing support, and academic support. In addition to regular coursework, students can gain real-world experience through internships and service-learning. Study abroad opportunities are also available. Applicants to the online Bachelor’s in Anthropology must submit an online application (fee applies), official transcripts, and test scores. Students can apply for either summer or fall admission.

Overview of Online Anthropology

Anthropology students normally obtain at least a bachelor’s degree from a four-year program. Two-year associate programs in anthropology are also available for those who do not wish to undertake four years of study. About 20% of anthropology undergraduates go on to pursue graduate degrees in anthropology or a complementary field, such as sociology, teaching, criminology, journalism, or marketing. Those who do not wish to pursue graduate degrees often double major in another desired field to broaden their job possibilities. Upon graduation, they can apply their communication, research, and data skills to a wide range of professions, such as business, public health, education, or the arts.

Anthropology students who wish to obtain positions in teaching, research, or higher management go on to pursue graduate degrees in anthropology. Beyond offering a wider job pool, a graduate degree in anthropology allows for greater specialization and independent research in the student’s topic of choice. Museum curators, non-profit managers, archeologists, and forensic anthropologists all typically require applicants to have a graduate degree. Those who wish to become a university professor must first obtain a doctorate degree by completing a dissertation alongside departmental faculty.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Anthropology

Online bachelor’s degrees in anthropology establish skills in communications, fieldwork, research methodologies, and data development in the humanistic and scientific study of human culture. Because anthropology draws on a large educational foundation and diverse skill set, recipients of a bachelor’s degree in anthropology might work in market research conducting focus groups or surveys. They may also oversee public interest research for government, community, or international organizations. Additionally, anthropology majors may go on to work as assistants in academic research, museum curating, or archeological fieldwork. Higher-level positions require graduate degrees at the master’s or doctorate level.

Program Requirements

To apply, students must have completed a high school education. Bachelor’s degrees usually take about four years to complete, but students who already have some course credits may be eligible to graduate on a faster track. Students must complete the necessary general education requirements as well as the additional required credits in anthropology. Depending on the school and program, a bachelor’s degree requires about 120 semester credits, 30 of which must be anthropology coursework, equaling about 40 classes in total.

Curriculum

During their undergraduate anthropology degree programs, students take basic anthropological courses on cultures, archeology, history, and civilizations. They can also choose electives in specialized anthropology topics such as forensic, linguistic, or biological anthropology. Students can choose to major or minor in anthropology depending on the number of anthropology credits they complete. Undergraduates who wish to enter the job market directly after completing their bachelor’s degree often choose to double major in another desirable field in order to widen their potential career paths. Common second majors for anthropology students include business, communications, international relations, public health, and social work.

Accreditation for Online Anthropology Degrees

Schools offering anthropology degrees must have received either national or regional accreditation from a recognized agency. The U.S. Department of Education provides a database of accrediting agencies on the national, regional, and programmatic level. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) also has an online list of their recognized regional accreditation agencies. Regional accreditation is the highest form of academic recognition.

While there is no specific programmatic accreditation for anthropology programs, the American Anthropological Association (AAA) publishes the annual AnthroGuide, compiling hundreds of academic member programs into a comprehensive directory. The AAA also provides extensive information about careers, internships, and fieldwork opportunities in anthropology. The Consortium of Practicing and Applied Anthropology (COPAA) provides further information about higher education institutions and programs in anthropology across the nation.

Common Online Classes for Anthropology Students

In addition to general education requirements in the sciences and humanities, online anthropology students must take courses specific to their field. Available classes include but are not limited to the following:

• Introduction, Method, and Theory of Archeology
• Anthropology of Activism
• Culture Through Film
• Creating Museums
• Researching Environment and Culture
• Ethnology of Immigrant Life
• Applied Urban Ethnography
• Reading Ethnographies: Ethnographic Theory and Practice
• Anthropological Fieldwork Abroad
• Paleoanthropology
• Communicating Anthropology
• Cultural Heritage
• Biocultural Approaches to Food
• Forensic Bioarcheology

Certification Process

Forensic anthropologists must undergo a rigorous examination process covering theory, ethics, and practice in order to obtain certification from the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA). Personal, academic, and professional records are taken into consideration. Certified forensic anthropologists are publicly identified by the ABFA for the consultation of medical examiners, coroners, law enforcement officials, and attorneys.

Careers in Anthropology

Anthropology covers a wide range of educational topics from the biological sciences to cultural psychology and history. Anthropology students learn to conduct group fieldwork, formulate and test hypotheses, work with data, and employ diverse research methodologies. While potential professions often don’t include the term “anthropology' in the title, an anthropology degree prepares future graduates for careers in business, marketing, consulting, journalism, nonprofit work, public health, social work, international relations, criminal justice, government, and academics. The number of anthropology students who become professional anthropologists or archeologists is small in comparison to those who go on to apply their anthropology degree in other areas.

• Anthropologists or Archeologists: These scientists research the origin, behavior, and evolution of humans through the study of cultures, languages, and archeological remains. They work for research organizations, government, or consulting firms, sometimes traveling on-site for long periods of fieldwork. Professional anthropologists must hold a master’s or doctorate degree in anthropology or archeology.
• Archivists, Curators, and Conservators: Museum archivists, curators, and conservators work on exhibitions, events, educational materials, community projects, independent research, permanent records, and collections. Specialized museum workers must have a master’s degree or higher.
• Biological Anthropologists: Biological anthropologists study physiology, nutrition, and pathology at health ministries, international health organizations, and medical schools. They may conduct research on the evolutionary origins, lifestyle, or dietary changes behind modern health issues. They can also work as specialized forensic anthropologists assessing skeletal remains to provide medical and legal consulting in criminal justice cases.
• Corporate Anthropologists: Corporate anthropologists apply their background in social and cultural anthropology to analyze workplace efficiency, product design, or intercultural marketing.
• Development Anthropologists: Development and international aid workers use their anthropological background to plan social projects, work as cultural mediators, and assess the success of organizational work. Development anthropologists study aid work and must have an extensive knowledge of the local community.
• Professors: University professors teach classes and publish original research. Professors must have PhDs.
• Public Sector Careers: Government jobs for anthropologists may include policy-making and planning, lobbying, grass-roots advocacy, and social service agencies.
• Secondary Teachers: Teachers with a background in anthropology go on to teach pre-university subjects such as history, religious education, sociology, geography, or biology.
• Visual Anthropologists: Visual anthropologists work in film, television, multimedia, marketing, museums, and political campaigns.