Edited By Barani Krishnan
Review & Contribution By Dr. William Harris
Explore human cultures with an Online Anthropology Degree. Flexible, accredited program enhancing your knowledge and career opportunities. Dive into the past, shape your future.
Anthropologists investigate humans’ biological and evolutionary development, studying ancient and modern human behavior, practices, beliefs, achievements, and systems. An online anthropology degree helps students understand anthropology, evolution, world people groups, societal conflicts, and cultural development. Research is a key component of this program; students also learn about data and statistics. Employment in this field is projected to grow 4 percent[1] from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for other occupations. Those with an online anthropology bachelor’s degree can work professionally as lawyers, writers, authors, anthropologists, archaeologists, postsecondary anthropology teachers, survey researchers, curators, etc.
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Find the Best Online Anthropology Programs
Searching for the right bachelor’s program can be challenging, and students need to consider factors like faculty quality, funding, tuition fees, and program reputation. To find the best online anthropology programs, students should research accredited institutions, compare curricula, and read student reviews. The teams at FBD have evaluated several bachelor programs. Based on critical components and a proprietary methodology, they have prepared a list of the best online anthropology programs:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University of Kansas (KU) | 183 College Drive, De Queen, Arkansas 71832 | $9,523 | 48% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Degree in Anthropology
An online anthropology degree program typically requires around 120 credits and helps develop analytical tools to study human culture, evolution, and behavior. Most colleges offer this program online, offline, and in hybrid learning modes. Students explore humanity’s place in the world through a curriculum built on cultural relativism, studying humans in both the present and past from humanistic and scientific perspectives. The time frame varies based on the intensity of study and prior coursework; however, it typically takes around two years. Students develop analytics, data management, critical thinking, research, and collaboration skills. This bachelor’s program can open opportunities in community organizations, education, government, private business, research institutions, media, and health organizations.
Curriculum and Coursework
Anthropology programs generally require courses in evolutionary science, cultural anthropology, statistics, and more. They provide a strong foundation for various career paths, including research and teaching. Skills developed through the curriculum prepare students to work in domains related to interpreting and evaluating information.
Students must meet certain prerequisites like high school-level math, English, chemistry, integrated science, physics, earth sciences, biology, social sciences, and other technical education. The coursework is generally extensive and offers a variety of courses, including standard courses such as:
Archeology
This course explores ancient civilizations through excavation and artifact analysis. Students study historical sites, cultural artifacts, and preservation techniques, gaining insights into human history and cultural development from prehistoric times to recent historical periods.
Fundamentals of Cultural Anthropology
This course focuses on studying cultural variation amongst humans and includes learning cultural relativism, holistic approaches to anthropology, ethnography, ethnology, and more. Students explore the traditional image of cultural anthropologists involving research about evaluating remote communities worldwide. They also study kinship, art, race, class, immigration, sexuality, social movements, diaspora, and more.
Human Evolution
This course explores the biological and behavioral development of Homo sapiens and their ancestors. Topics include primatology, fossil evidence, genetics, and evolutionary theory, providing insights into the human species’ origins, adaptations, and diversity over millions of years.
Professional Anthropology
This focuses on the general work of anthropologists rather than teaching and other related research. Students learn about assisting anthropologists in communicating clearly amongst themselves and with other stakeholders and essential theoretical and philosophical ground rules of their discipline as practiced by professional anthropologists.
Statistics for Social Sciences
This course prepares students to interpret and learn about statistical tools and methods critical to their study domain. Students understand how to conduct and interpret statistical analysis using SPSS and Excel. It also explains interconnections among statistical procedures to teach them about commonalities among statistical methods.
Some other core courses found across anthropology degree online curricula include:
- Anthropology Ethics
- Contemporary Anthropology
- Human origins
- Language studies
- Religion and anthropology
- History of anthropological thought
- Archaeology of rocks
- Quantifying anthropology
- Forensic anthropology
- Evolution of primate behavior
- Paleontology field school
- Applied medical anthropology
- Cultural geography
Most colleges offer internships, capstone projects, laboratory work, or other practical experiences that assist students in understanding various anthropological perspectives and exploring career development and professionalization. Interested individuals can explore the guide to bachelor’s programs to understand undergraduate requirements better.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
Anthropology programs can provide students with a broad-based humanities education focusing on cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, and more. It helps individuals learn critically about human cultures and societies around the globe. The course gives participants a fundamental anthropology education and develops skills like writing and reading.
Such a comprehensive education helps individuals develop invaluable skills, including the ability to
- demonstrate good written and verbal communication while communicating with other stakeholders in the field;
- demonstrate development and implementation of social media campaigns by understanding the audience and interpreting data about people and cultures;
- cross-cultural observation while working in the field with different cultures across the globe;
- demonstrate learning of human history by excavating sites and interpreting physical remains like artifacts;
- analyze artifacts that have been discovered from excavation sites using their skills to make hypotheses and determinations based on the findings;
- demonstrate proficiency in all components of language, including speaking, writing, and reading;
- development of humans and how they adapt to different environments relating to biological and behavioral aspects of past and present;
- demonstrate the study of various cultures and environments where people live and explore societies from different perspectives;
- demonstrate learning about how people communicate globally and all aspects of various language structures.
Types of Degrees Anthropology Students Can Obtain
An anthropology online degree program seeks to provide an understanding reflective of the domain. It helps address cultural and social consequences from a global perspective. Typically, in the U.S., individuals can take up two kinds of programs: a Bachelor of Arts or BA in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Science or BS in Anthropology.
Bachelors of Arts or BA in Anthropology
The Bachelor of Arts or BA in anthropology delves into human behavior and social existence. Students learn about sociocultural, linguistic, biological, and archaeological sciences. It is primarily designed for those interested in culture, society, archaeology, mathematics, and science-based courses. The program focuses on developing skills that prepare individuals for job roles, including medical researcher, scientist, anthropologist, field investigator, education anthropologist, etc.
Bachelors of Science or BS in Anthropology
The Bachelor of Science or BS in anthropology provides training in analysis, data collection, and research design within the scientific principles of anthropology. Students learn to use scientific tools and methods to formulate and test hypotheses and gather data through excavation, measurement, and field surveys. They develop skills like advanced research, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and more necessary for today’s world.
Areas of Specialization for Anthropology Students
Specialization in anthropology allows students to deepen their understanding of archaeology, cultural studies, or biological anthropology. By focusing their studies, students can develop expertise in their chosen field, gaining valuable insights and skills that enhance their research, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them for diverse career paths within anthropology.
Students enrolled in an online anthropology masters degree program can choose from the following concentrations:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropological Archaeology | This specialization studies human cultures through excavation, artifact analysis, and contextual interpretation. Students explore ancient societies, material culture, and environmental interactions, gaining skills in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and historical interpretation essential for careers in archaeology and cultural heritage management. | 1. Archaeologist 2. Cultural Heritage Manager 3. Museum Curator 4. Historical Preservation Officer |
| Social-Cultural Anthropology | This specialization examines human societies, beliefs, and behaviors. Through ethnographic research and analysis, students explore cultural diversity, social structures, and symbolic systems. This specialization fosters an understanding contemporary global issues and prepares students for academic careers, international development, or cultural advocacy. | 1. Cultural Anthropologist 2. Public Relations Manager 3. Interpreter 4. Community Development Specialist |
| Environmental Anthropology | Environmental anthropology concentration helps analyze relations between human environments and societies. Students learn about environmental determinism, where environmental features shape human society and behavior, and differences among people that are not innate due to landscape, climate, and other ecological components. | 1. Geographic Information Systems Analyst 2. Research Associate 3. Museum Curator 4. Urban Planner |
| Global Health and Medical Anthropology | This specialization explores global and molecular phenomena. They integrate cultural, medical, biological, and social anthropology approaches into a comprehensive framework to address and understand global and local health issues. | 1. Medical Anthropologist 2. Public Health Specialist 3. Global Health Researcher 4. Health Policy Analyst |
| Paleoanthropology | The concentration combines paleontology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and primatology. Students learn about methods and advancing technologies wherein genetics plays a huge role, in specific to as a vital tool for research. | 1. Paleoanthropologist 2. Research Scientist 3. Museum Curator 4. Scientific Consultant |
| Population Genetics | This concentration helps students learn about population genetic composition over time. Some topics students study include genetic variance, natural selection, evolutionary forces, genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, nonrandom mating, environmental conflict, etc. | 1. Geneticist 2. Bioinformatician 3. Research Scientist 4. Genomic Data Scientist |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
It typically takes four years to complete the bachelor’s in anthropology online program when completed full-time. On average, a part-time student can finish the program’s requirements in around six years, as they take longer to finish courses. Individuals can also take up online programs that include different online courses that they can complete from any geographic location and, therefore, can be completed faster. Many students also opt for an accelerated program that helps them finish their degree in two years. The length of the degree also depends on factors like specialization taken up, mode of learning, in-person learning opportunities offered by institutions, etc.
Accelerated Anthropology Programs
Accelerated programs are pursued by students who want to complete the degree requirements faster. Individuals who just started their college education and did not earn a degree, nontraditional applicants, working adults, and others prefer such programs. A general anthropology degree online takes 4 to 5 years; however, students can complete it in an accelerated format in two years.
Here are a few colleges in the U.S. providing an accelerated program
Requirements for Getting into an Online Anthropology Degree Program
The requirements for an online anthropology degree are typically simple, like a minimum GPA of 2.0 or more. Students must submit an online application with ACT or SAT scores, high school transcripts, or other documents they should keep ready before applying for the program. Applicants must complete prerequisites like math, English, physics, earth sciences, and more to be eligible. Some online anthropology degree admission requirements include:
- Application fee and form
- High school Diploma or equivalent GED score
- High school transcripts and other academic records
- A minimum GPA of 2.0 or more is generally required
- ACT or SAT scores are required by some institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essay explaining a student’s potential or passion for anthropology
How to Ensure an Online Anthropology Degree Program Is Accredited
Accreditation ensures that a Bachelor’s in Anthropology program meets rigorous educational standards, enhancing its credibility and ensuring quality. Accreditation aids students by facilitating credit transfer, ensuring eligibility for financial aid, and signaling to employers the program’s adherence to professional standards, enhancing graduates’ employability. While there isn’t specific programmatic accreditation for Bachelor’s in Anthropology, regional accreditation validates overall academic quality. Any of the six regional accrediting agencies can accredit a bachelor’s degree in anthropology:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Where to Find Free Courses for Online Anthropology Degree Students
Free courses offer students access to diverse subjects and perspectives, expanding their knowledge beyond formal education. They provide flexibility, allowing learners to study at their own pace and explore topics of personal interest. Free courses enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and employability, empowering students to pursue lifelong learning and career advancement. Here are a few free anthropology courses that students can explore
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Ethnography[5] | The Diploma in Ethnography delves into the academic study of peoples and cultures, focusing on customs, habits, and differences. Through qualitative research, learners explore interactions between people and their social context. This free online course covers ethnographic processes, research, concepts, and methods, addressing challenges in gathering research data. | Alison |
| Forensic Anthropology – Skeletal Analysis[6] | This free course distinguishes human bones from animal bones and describes the scope of forensic anthropology. The study topics include calculating a minimum number of individuals in skeletal assemblage and estimating ancestry from skeletal remains. | Udemy |
| Anthropology of Current World Issues[7] | This free course helps students reflect on their perspective of anthropological issues, learn the basic skills of an anthropological toolkit, and understand how to engage in cultural comparison. They also learn about cultural sameness and differences. | Edx |
Ways to Pay for an Online Anthropology Degree
Managing the costs of an online bachelor’s degree in anthropology involves thorough evaluation. Students should examine the affordability of programs, considering tuition, fees, and any extra costs. Effective budgeting and financial planning are crucial for making informed choices and ensuring a viable investment in education and future careers. Here’s how graduates of these programs can fund their education:
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships offer students part-time employment opportunities within their university, often involving research, teaching, or administrative duties. In return, students receive stipends and sometimes tuition waivers. These positions provide valuable professional experience, help reduce educational costs, and support students in advancing their academic and career goals.
Scholarships provide financial support to students based on academic achievement, need, or specific criteria. They can significantly reduce the cost of education without requiring repayment. Available from various sources, including colleges, private organizations, and foundations, scholarships are vital for making higher education more accessible and affordable.
Grants are financial awards given to students, typically based on need, that do not require repayment. Offered by governments, institutions, and private organizations, they help cover tuition and other educational expenses. Grants make higher education accessible to students from diverse financial backgrounds.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form used by U.S. students to apply for financial aid for college. It determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Completing the FAFSA is essential for accessing various types of financial assistance to help cover educational expenses.
Scholarships for Online Anthropology Degree Students
Prospective anthropology bachelor’s students can greatly benefit from scholarships, which reduce financial burdens and enhance accessibility to education. Thorough research into institutions offering anthropology programs is essential. Students should investigate scholarships specific to their field, noting eligibility criteria and application procedures. Here are some online anthropology degree scholarships students can explore:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur C. Parker and Bertha Parker Cody[8] | This scholarship is provided by the Society for American Archaeology to undergraduate or graduate students for Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives. The winner’s archaeological training is also supported along with the financial award. | Varies | January annually |
| John E. Lobdell Undergraduate Scholarship[9] | The Alaska Anthropological Association presents this award to undergraduates across the U.S. It is designed to assist those eligible to pursue their academic degree in anthropology. Applicants also need to be enrolled as members of this association at the time of application. | $1,500 | February annually |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating With an Online Anthropology Degree
Graduating with a bachelor’s in anthropology opens diverse career opportunities, offering competitive salaries. The skills acquired in research, analysis, and understanding of human behavior are valuable across various industries. Graduates can expect rewarding roles with salaries reflecting their expertise, making this degree a strong foundation for professional growth and financial stability.
Here are some career titles and salaries for graduates of anthropology degree online:
- Lawyers
- Legislators
- Archaeologist
- Forensic science technicians
- Geographers
- Historians
- Political scientists
- Sociologists
- Anthropologists
Here are a few more occupations explored:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2032) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropologists[1] | Analytical, communication, critical-thinking skills, and physical stamina. | $63,800 | 4% (as fast as average) | Anthropologists typically plan cultural research, customize data collection methods and tools according to a specific region, and collect information from interviews, observations, and documents. They are also entrusted with recording and managing records of observations that are taken from the field. |
| Survey Researchers[10] | Analytical, communication, critical-thinking, detail-oriented, and problem-solving skills. | $60,960 | -4% (decline) | Survey researchers evaluate surveys, their underlying methods, and their performance to improve future surveys. They also analyze data using statistical techniques and software. They coordinate the work of data collectors and survey interviewers, ensuring clarity in the questions being asked. |
| Political Scientists[11] | Communication, problem-solving, research, and analytical skills. | $132,350 | 7% (faster than average) | Political scientists develop and test political theories and collect and analyze information from sources like public opinion surveys. They monitor current challenges, policy-related decisions, and other related issues. These professionals also submit research results by publishing articles and giving presentations. |
| Geographers[12] | Analytical, computer, communication, and critical-thinking skills. | $90,880 | 1% (little or no change) | Geographers are expected to conduct research via interviews, focus groups, and surveys. They create and modify maps or other visual representations of geographic data. Sometimes these professionals also collect, display, and analyze geographic data with Geographic Information Systems. |
| Historians[13] | Analytical, foreign language, problem-solving, and research skills | $72,890 | 3% (as fast as average) | Historians trace historical developments in a specific domain and engage with the public through educational presentations and programs. They can also provide advance or guidance on preservation challenges and historical topics. These professionals also write reports, articles, and books of theories and findings. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Anthropology Degree Graduates
Certifications and licensing specific to online bachelor’s students in anthropology are not common in the U.S. However, some certifications or licenses may be required for specific career paths or industries related to anthropology, such as cultural resource management or forensic anthropology. These certifications typically require additional education or experience beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Additional Resources for Online Anthropology Degree Graduates
Bachelor’s students in anthropology can access various resources to enhance their learning. Virtual forums, webinars, and mentorship programs offer opportunities for networking with peers and professionals, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration. These connections foster a supportive community, enriching students’ educational journey and preparing them for success in anthropology. Here are a few recommended resources for a bachelor’s degree in anthropology online students to explore:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| American Anthropological Association | American Anthropological Association (AAA) members receive access to journals, career planning, and professional development services. They also receive support from universities and colleges, can apply for various fellowships and prizes, and have the opportunity to participate in a paid summer internship program, among other benefits. |
| Society for Applied Anthropology | The organization provides many invaluable opportunities for scholars, students, social scientists, etc., from different disciplines and organizations to brainstorm for the future. They promote the investigation of principles of human behavior and provide many resources like journals, conferences, professional development, etc. |
| The National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA) | NAPA offers many opportunities like mentoring, career development, position listings, field schools, fellowships, internships, volunteering, and more. They also mentor students and parents about the value of a degree focused on practicing applied anthropology. |
| Society for Linguistic Anthropology | The Society of Linguistic Anthropology is a part of the American Anthropological Association. They explore and understand how language is shaped by social life, from face-to-face interaction to the phenomena of the global level. |
| Washington Association of Professional Anthropologists (WAPA) | The WAPA is a resource to enhance career and social development centers for anthropologists who seek to apply their knowledge and skills to solve practical issues for society. They have members employed by businesses and government, as well as different international and domestic associations and institutions. |
FAQs About Online Anthropology Degree Programs
Can you get an anthropology degree online?
Many anthropologies undergraduate degrees can be availed by students online. It helps them develop their learning patterns and encourages them to learn courses independently wherever they are. Many applicants working full-time, changing careers, and having other personal responsibilities choose the online mode of education. Learners need not be part of live discussions or lectures and can access instructional material at their convenience.
What can you do with an online anthropology degree?
Is an online degree in anthropology worth it?
Is anthropology a high-demand field?
Where do anthropologists work?
How much does an online bachelor’s program in anthropology cost?
Are online bachelor’s programs in anthropology accredited?
Citations:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational outlook for Anthropologists
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Alison- Diploma in Ethnography
Udemy: Forensic Anthropology – Skeletal analysis
Edx: Anthropology of Current World Issues
Arthur C. Parker and Bertha Parker Cody
John E. Lobdell Undergraduate ScholarshipJohn E. Lobdell Undergraduate Scholarship
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational outlook for Survey Researchers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational outlook for Political Scientists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational outlook for Geographers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational outlook for Historians