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Anthropology Degree Online Bachelor’s (BA) Program

John Roos, who earned his degree in 2018, wearing a park ranger hat and grey buttondown shirt standing with his arms folded.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 40

Term length 8 weeks

Program Overview Why get an anthropology degree online?

If you’re fascinated by human behavior, Southern New Hampshire University's Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology might be the degree for you. This experiential online program bridges the gap between science and the humanities. You'll explore societal similarities and differences through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses, while studying society's extensive progress.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Theory and concept application
  • Research question development
  • Research and data analysis
  • Culturally relevant perspectives
John Roos, who earned his SNHU degree in 2018, wearing a park ranger uniform, baseball cap and sunglasses as he leads two people on a hike through desert terrain.

Courses & Curriculum Anthropology degree online classes that help your knowledge evolve

This curriculum has a strong foundation in archaeology, ethics and conservation. Its core and concentration classes stress the application of anthropological theory and methods to real-world problems through hands-on assignments, ethnographic case studies, data collection and more.

Whether you dive directly into the field after graduation or continue on to your master's, this program provides the tools, skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Concentrations

Online anthropology degree concentration

In addition to the general anthropology track, this program offers a career-focused concentration in environmental sustainability. 

Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology with a concentration in Environmental Sustainability aims to help you recognize and respond to cultural and environmental challenges by exploring how the past impacts the present. In this concentration, you'll acquire ethical, practical and technical skills. You'll also learn to view the world through a social, historical and evolutionary lens. Students who pursue this degree generally do so with the goal of better understanding (and thereby protecting) the environment.

Many of the courses in our environmental sustainability concentration use virtual experiences. From role-playing to tourism planning, you'll combine theory and problem-solving skills in an authentic way.

SNHU's environmental sustainability program features a multidisciplinary approach and provides skill sets valued by a range of employers – from urban to rural organizations, private firms to nongovernment organizations (NGOs).

Career outlook:

After earning your online anthropology degree with a concentration in environmental sustainability, you should be able to examine the relationship between human activities and environmental processes. You'll then be able to inform and develop individual and community strategies that mitigate environmental issues and promote sustainable living.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual salary for environmental scientists and specialists was $78,980 in May 2023, and the employment rate for this field is projected to grow 6% through 2032.1

Courses may include:

  • Conservation Biology
  • Environmental Issues
  • Energy and Society
  • Sustainable Communities

If you're interested in turning your passion for the planet into a profession, you may also want to check out our online environmental science degree.

Apply for free in minutes

Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 03, 2025

Next term starts:
Oct. 28, 2024

Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

New England Commission of Higher Education Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$39,600
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$27,720

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$9,900 $14,850 $19,800 $24,750 $29,700
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 30 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $29,700

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $24,750

If 60 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,800

If 75 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $14,850

If 90 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your bachelor’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $9,900

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a bachelor's degree. Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 90 credits, requiring a minimum of 30 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator, and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online anthropology degree?

An online anthropology degree can help you develop a broad range of marketable skills and make a difference on teams with advertising, diversity, human resources, user experience and social justice focuses. 

Occupations

Anthropologists can be found in a wide range of roles all around the world – including the below. However, it's important to note some may require an advanced degree.

Study the origin, development and behavior of humans, alongside the culture of past and present civilizations.

Use your knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.

Manage heritage assets and other cultural resources, such as contemporary art.

Ensure the fair and equal treatment of all citizens, and investigate and document violations.

Collect, organize and analyze data to solve problems and identify and predict trends.

Create interactive programs that enhance a user's experience with a brand.

4%

Increase in roles for anthropologists and archeologists through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$63,800

Median annual pay for anthropologists and archeologists as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1

Note: These roles typically require an advanced degree.

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Summer Pullam '21

I was attracted to the anthropology program, because it's a mix of sociology, psychology, culture and history — some of my favorite topics to learn about.

Summer Pullam '21

Frequently Asked Questions

Simply put, anthropology is the study of what makes us human.2 Anthropologists study every aspect of the human experience, from biological makeup to the evolution of society. As you can imagine, that's a lot of ground to cover for 1 anthropologist. That's why the field is generally divided into 4 subfields, which utilize distinct skillsets alongside foundational anthropology techniques and methods. Archaeology, or anthropological archaeology, is 1 of those 4 subfields.

Much like anthropologists, archaeologists study human culture. The only difference is they study human culture of the past rather than the present. They do so by examining and analyzing artifacts excavated from archaeological sites in order to understand to what daily life was like. Archaeologists can even determine the types of diets and diseases humans may have experienced through excavated bones and teeth. In addition to excavating sites, archaeologists also manage and preserve sites and artifacts.

The other 3 subfields of anthropology include biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology. Biological anthropologists examine biology in humans and their non-human primate relatives and ancestors. Cultural anthropologists look at modern cultures and the effects of overpopulation, natural disasters, war and poverty on society. Linguistic anthropologists explore the past, present and future of languages, focusing on its use and impact on culture and social relationships.

Absolutely! At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), we believe higher education should be accessible and affordable. With an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology degree, you can study the human experience on your schedule, with no set class times and 24/7 online access to coursework. You can also enjoy some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country.

Dr. Kelley Sams with the text Dr. Kelley Sams

Dr. Kelley Sams, anthropology and public health instructor at SNHU, has some helpful advice for up-and-coming students looking to pursue their online degree.

"Succeeding in online learning has a lot to do with good time management. I encourage students to really think about how to use the 24 hours they each get every day. At the beginning of each term, each week and each day, make a plan. Decide what you want to accomplish in terms of work, relaxation, family time, etc. Think about your priorities and set clear boundaries for yourself," she says.

According to the American Anthropological Association, there are four main career paths for anthropology graduates today:2

  • Academic careers: If you take this path, you'll likely work on a campus or in an anthropology department, focusing on teaching and conducting research. You may be expected to teach courses, write lectures or grading papers in university programs.
  • Corporate and business careers: Many organizations look to add anthropologists to their team to help gain further insight into the needs of their consumers. As an anthropologist working in corporate research, you'd go beyond traditional survey methods, instead using your research skills to conduct focus groups to better understand customer needs.
  • Government careers: As an anthropologist, you could work closely with a wide range of government organizations in planning, research and managerial capacities. According to the American Anthropological Association, the federal government is one of the largest employers of anthropologists outside of academia.2 Meanwhile, as a forensic anthropologist, you could be relied on by police departments and museums to help identify mysterious remains.
  • Nonprofit and community-based careers: If designing programs and helping the world become a better place interests you, you might consider a career in the non-profit world. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often hire anthropologists to help design and implement new programs.

Read more about what you can do with an anthropology degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree in anthropology combined with internship experience can lead to positions as a field/lab technician or research assistant.1 Meanwhile, they note overseas work or jobs requiring leadership skills and complex technical knowledge usually call for an advanced degree.1

For Whitney Wheeler ’19, who made up her mind to become a marine archaeologist while working at Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium, a bachelor’s degree in anthropology was the first step on her career path.

Heather York also tried on 2 other majors before switching to anthropology. The deciding factor was the Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Human Origins and Evolution courses she took midway through her sophomore year. Today, she teaches those same courses as an adjunct instructor at SNHU, bringing her real-life experience to the field of anthropology.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth in employment for anthropologists and archeologists through 2032.1

Some of this demand will come from corporations who use anthropological research to analyze consumer demand within cultural or social groups.1 Anthropologists in corporate settings delve into specific markets to help businesses serve their clients better or target new customers.1

Environmental sustainability focuses on helping people live more efficiently and effectively in their environment. Graduates of Southern New Hampshire University's online bachelor’s in anthropology with a concentration in environmental sustainability learn to become stewards of the natural world who are prepared to enter the booming green economy.

Our program features a multidisciplinary approach and provides skill sets valued by a range of employers – from urban to rural organizations, private firms to nongovernment organizations (NGOs).

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

2American Anthropological Association, Careers in Anthropology, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.americananthro.org/AdvanceYourCareer/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=2150 (viewed Mar. 21, 2024)
  • https://www.americananthro.org/AdvanceYourCareer/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=1783 (viewed Mar. 21, 2024)