Best Online Anthropology Degree Programs

An online anthropology degree is an ideal way to get the education you need to work in the field. Many colleges and universities offer affordable, flexible distance learning programs. 

It’s possible to balance your educational, career and personal commitments while working toward the degree you’ve always wanted. You won’t break the bank to accomplish a goal that unlocks the door to better career opportunities.

Benzinga is here to help you find an online anthropology degree program that meets your needs and budget. 

Why Choose an Online Anthropology Degree?

What makes an online anthropology degree the best choice? It’s all a matter of personal interest. If you’re captivated by the evolution of human culture and behavior, you’ll get the most out of these programs. You’ll also receive the same high-quality education as your peers who take classes on campus. 

Some additional benefits of majoring in anthropology: 

• Mentally stimulating career options: Anthropology degree holders can work in many private and public sectors on intellectually stimulating tasks.
• Earning potential: Graduates working in the field make a decent salary. 
• Personal growth: You can use the knowledge acquired during your studies to better understand your friends, family and others you interact with. This helps foster healthier, more meaningful relationships that could also lead to personal growth. 

How to Choose an Online Anthropology Degree

There are so many online anthropology degree programs to choose from, so how do you know which are best? Consider these factors as you search for options: 

Reputation 

Is the degree offered by an accredited institution? Are the courses led by faculty who are well-versed in the field? How is the online anthropology degree program perceived by past and current students? These are just a few questions to ponder as you dig deeper and learn about the reputation of the school and program you’re considering. 

Student Support 

What services are available to support distance learning students? Does the college or university offer dedicated enrollment, advising, financial aid and technology support? Are there academic support or tutoring services to help students navigate complex coursework? A wealth of resources fosters a pleasant online learning experience and you won’t feel stuck when challenges arise. 

Cost of Attendance 

How does the cost of attendance stack up to the competition? The tuition and fees for your top pick should be comparable to other schools that offer the same degree. If you notice drastic variances, you may want to explore other options to save money. 

Jobs Waiting for You with an Anthropology Degree

Here are some of the most popular career options for anthropology degree holders. 

Anthropologist or Archeologist 

In these roles, you will study human origins, development and behavior. Job duties include mapping out cultural research plans, gathering data and information, analyzing findings and compiling reports. You may also be tasked with communicating the cultural impact of policies, products and programs to organizations. 

On average, anthropologists and archeologists earn $63,670 per year. This equates to $30.61 per hour. 

Postsecondary Anthropology or Archeology Teacher 

If you want to teach in a college setting, consider a career as a postsecondary anthropology or archeology instructor. You will lead courses and conduct research in this role. 

In 2018, the median pay for postsecondary anthropology and archeology teachers was $95,140. 

Archivist

As an archivist, you will be responsible for appraising, processing and cataloging valuable documents and permanent records that hold historical significance. Other responsibilities include developing and maintaining an electronic records preservation system, creating a policy regarding access to documents and securing additional materials for the museum’s archives. 

Archivists earn an average annual salary of $49,850.  

Best Online Colleges for an Anthropology Degree

Here are the best online colleges for an anthropology degree. We’ve also included a review of each program to help you make an informed decision. 

1. University of Florida  

The University of Florida offers an online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology. It merges humanities and science to give you a worldwide scope into the field. 

Students choose from 1 of 4 concentrations — archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology or linguistics. You will also be required to complete the following core courses and a capstone in anthropology: 

• Cultural Anthropology 
• Introduction to Biological Anthropology
• Introduction to World Archaeology 
• Language in Culture 

The program prepares you for a role in community organizations, education, government, health organizations, private business, the media and research institutions. You can work as an archaeologist, archivist, conservationist, geographer, public policy analyst, sociologist or urban and regional planner. 

You need 120 credit hours to finish the program. 

Enroll now. 

2. Arizona State University   

Journey into the evolution of human biology, society and culture through the online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from Arizona State University. It is offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

Courses are led by accomplished faculty members that share valuable insights to help you thrive in your role. Core classes include:

• Bones, Stones and Human Evolution 
• Buried Cities and Lost Tribes
• Disease and Human Evolution  
• Global History of Health 
• Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 
• Maternal and Child Health 
• Peopling of the World 
• Primatology 
• Social Statistics I

Alumni work as anthropologists, anthropology professors, archivists, compliance managers, cultural studies professors, investment fund managers, museum curators, museum exhibit designers, sociologists and sociology professors. 

ASU Online requires 120 credit hours to earn your degree. 

Enroll now.

3. Southern New Hampshire University  

Why do humans behave the way they do and how have these behaviors impacted the evolution of society? Learn the answers to these questions and more in the online anthropology degree program from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). You will also take a closer look at the many similarities and differences in society from an archaeological, biological, cultural and linguistic perspective. 

Anthropology majors must successfully complete the following core courses:

• The Human Experience: Introduction to Anthropology
• Anthropology in the Contemporary World
• Discovering the Past: Foundations in Archaeology
• Human Origins and Evolution: Biological Anthropology 
• Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 
• Research Literacy in Social Sciences 
• Who Owns Culture? Ethics in Anthropology
• Capstone in Anthropology  

You can also specialize your degree by choosing to concentrate in environmental sustainability or geospatial technologies. 

The environmental sustainability track focuses on ways to identify and respond to environmental challenges. It’s ideal for aspiring environmental scientists and specialists. Coursework covers conservation biology, energy and society, environmental issues and sustainable communities. 

If you select the geospatial technologies track, you will discover ways to help others live more effectively and efficiently in their environment. This track caters to those interested in cartographer, economic development specialist, geospatial analyst, GIS project manager and GIS specialist roles. You will complete courses on geographic information systems, geology, geosystems and data analysis, remote systems, imagery analysis and spatial awareness. 

You need 120 credit hours to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology. SNHU allows you to transfer up to 90 credits from an accredited college or university. 

Enroll now. 

4. Colorado State University 

Expand your knowledge of cultural differences. Consider an online Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from Colorado State University. 

This degree program approaches anthropology from an evolutionary lens. It dives into past and present culture, key similarities and differences amongst human societies and how anthropologists leverage theoretical ideas to better understand society. 

You need 120 credit hours to earn your degree and must take courses related to biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and geography. There’s also a capstone seminar requirement. 

Want to make yourself more marketable to employers? Select a minor from the 10 options available to anthropology majors. 

Enroll now. 

5. Oregon State University 

Consider a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in anthropology from OSU online. Both degrees require 180 credit hours and allow you to specialize in archaeology, biocultural, cultural/linguistic or general anthropology. You can also add a minor or undergraduate certificate to your degree. 

Coursework covers several essential topics related to anthropology, including: 

• Biological and cultural constructions of race
• Cultures in conflict 
• Evolution of people 
• Forensic anthropology 
• Natural resources and community values 
• North America following the Ice Age
• People of the world
• Wealth and poverty  

Both degree programs will prepare you for a career as an analyst, community development specialist, cross-cultural communicator, ecotourism director, research assistant and many other rewarding opportunities. Plus, you can use the career development center to get assistance with your resume, interviewing skills and job search. 

Enroll now. 

6. University of Central Florida

Intrigued by the development of humanity and eager to learn more about the factors that helped shape the present world? Look no further than the online Anthropology Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida. 

Courses are taught by accomplished faculty who will walk you through human history and focus on archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics and physical anthropology. You will also acquire research and fieldwork skills. 

Alumni work as archaeologists, conservationists, consumer affairs investigators, forensic anthropologists, forensic investigators, product developers and public policy analysts. 

Enroll now. 

7. Western Illinois University 

Earn an online bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Western Illinois University. This degree program is available through the department of sociology and anthropology. 

The program covers the foundational elements of anthropology and delves into cultural and social outcomes from a global perspective. The curriculum dives into a host of pertinent topics, including: 

• Archaeology and biological anthropology 
• Comparative cultural studies
• Field and laboratory research methods 
• Linguistic anthropology and sociolinguistics 
• Political ecology 

Once you complete your freshman and sophomore coursework, you can specialize your degree to align with your career goals. Choose from the following tracks: 

• Archaeology
• Biological anthropology
• Cultural anthropology 
• Linguistic anthropology

You can also select an additional major or minor to enhance your degree even more. 

Enroll now. 

8. University of Houston – Clear Lake 

The University of Houston – Clear Lake offers an online Bachelor of Science in anthropology. This program is a component caters to nontraditional students seeking an affordable way to continue their education. 

It prepares you to work in several industries — healthcare, human resources, international relations and teaching. You will also gain invaluable insights from distinguished faculty through the core courses, which cover topics like cultural anthropology, geographic information systems, interdisciplinary perspectives on global health and theories of society. 

You can finish the program in as little as 2 years. 

Enroll now.

9. Florida International University

Get an online Bachelor of Arts in sociology and anthropology from Florida International University. It’s offered by the Steven J.Green School of International and Public Affairs. 

This 120-credit hour degree program allows you to concentrate in anthropology and analyze cultural practices in different settings. The following core courses are required: 

• Introduction to Anthropology 
• Anthropological Theories
• Research Methods 
• Social Theory 
• World Ethnography

The curriculum helps you develop skills related to computer-based mapping, computerized social data analysis, ethnography, social survey techniques and social statistical sampling methods. You will also sharpen your investigative skills and learn how to decode both nontraditional and traditional industrialized societies to reconstruct historical culture.

Enroll now. 

10. Troy University 

Troy University features an online bachelor’s degree in anthropology through the social science department. This program is a good fit for individuals who want to work as anthropologists, archaeologists, compliance managers, curators, geographers or museum technicians and conservators. 

The curriculum delves into the many facets of anthropology. Students pursuing this degree take the following core courses: 

• Anthropological Theory 
• Introduction to Archaeology
• Cultural Anthropology
• Language in Culture and Society 
• Physical Anthropology 
• Statistics in the Social Sciences
• The Anthropology of Kinship and Social Structure

You need 120 credit hours to reach the finish line.

Enroll now. 

Find the Best Online Anthropology Degree Program for You

Ready to begin working toward your educational goals? Consider an anthropology degree program from our list of top options to find the perfect fit. Our selections are from reputable colleges and universities that are affordable and deliver an exceptional online learning experience.