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)
Be a part of the AU student community
A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Sign up to receive more information from AU and start your education with us.
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.
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.
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
Estimated program costs are available in the Calendar.
Financial aid and awards
We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.
Unearth a wealth of knowledge in anthropology with Athabasca University's comprehensive 4-field approach, covering archaeology, biological anthropology, sociocultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. You have the freedom to tailor your educational experience, choosing online courses that most align with your interests and career goals.
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Bachelor of Arts, plus those specific to your major, minor or concentration.
Our program course plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.
$pageFileName
Focus areas
Career options
Unlock diverse career paths—from research and academia to cultural consulting and public policy—with a degree in Anthropology from Athabasca University.
Possible occupations include:
archivist
conservator
cultural resource manager
ethnographer/ethnologist
field archeologist
foreign service officer
government policy analyst
heritage assistant
immigration officer
librarian
linguistic anthropologists
market research analyst
medical anthropologist
multicultural education specialist
museum technician/assistant
national/provincial park interpreter or service supervisor
palaeoanthropologist or palaeontologist
preservation/restorationassistant
primatologist
refugee services coordinator
researcher
university professor
Resources and links
Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.