Bachelor of Arts Major in Anthropology

At a glance

  • Credential: degree
  • Credits: 120
  • Next start: monthly

Explore the full spectrum of what it means to be human in AU’s online anthropology degree. Our program takes a holistic, historic, and global approach, allowing you to understand human diversity in aspects like culture, social organization, and language.

  • 35

    Average age

  • 89%

    Employment rate

  • $65k

    Median income

  • 95%

    Student satisfaction

Source: 2023 AU institutional data and 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS)

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About Bachelor of Arts Major in Anthropology

Anthropology, in its broadest sense, is the study of what it is to be human. The discipline differs from all others that study human beings because it is holistic, historic, global, and comparative. It helps us understand human differences and similarities across the world and through time, including the following aspects:

  • cultures
  • social organization
  • languages
  • environmental relationships
  • physical and genetic diversity

From digging into the past with archaeology to examining our biological evolution and diverse cultures, our 4-field approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of humanity.

Anthropology at Athabasca University advocates a 4-field approach:

  • Archaeology reconstructs the lives of ancient peoples by documenting and analyzing the material remains left behind
  • Biological anthropology focuses on our biological diversity and evolution, including comparative studies of non-human primates
  • Sociocultural anthropology explores and explains the social and cultural diversity of the present and the recent past
  • Linguistic anthropology studies the history, structure, and function of language

Admission requirements

There are no formal admission requirements for the 4-year program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.

Program details

Overview

Routes and options

The Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology Major is an online 4-year degree program. There are no set start dates—you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.

Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology Major (4-year online degree)

  • A 4-year degree fully prepares students for most graduate programs.
  • The 4-year BA program allows you to pursue either a double major or a minor.
    • Double majors must meet the requirements for both majors, which may restrict course selection or require additional credits above the 120 required for the BA.
    • You should talk to an academic advisor about your program and courses if you’re considering a double major.
    • To earn a minor you must complete 30 credits in that subject area.
  • List of minors:
    • Canadian Studies
    • English
    • French
    • Global Studies
    • History
    • Humanities
    • Inclusive Education
    • Labour Studies
    • Philosophy
    • Political Economy
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Public Administration
    • Sociology
    • Women's and Gender Studies
Note: AU does not offer an honours BA.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 4 years of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your degree.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Transfer and advanced credit

If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU degree.

If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.

Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


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