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.
35
Average Age
85%
Employment Rate
$45k
Average Salary
89%
Student Recommended
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Q: Why take the Bachelor of Arts?
A:The Bachelor of Arts strengthens critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political and cultural studies.
Q: How long will it take to complete?
A:Finish this program in as little as 3 or 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.
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
cultures
social organization
languages
environmental relationships
physical and genetic diversity
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.
Why take the Bachelor of Arts?
The Bachelor of Arts strengthens critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political and cultural studies. The program is designed to
broaden your perspective on local and global affairs
encourage community and social involvement
prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity
Routes and options
The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology 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
AU does not offer an Honours BA.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 3 or 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.
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.
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.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
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.
Our program 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.
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.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. We have also provided at-a-glance estimates below. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will be able to
Discuss past and present human social, linguistic, and biological diversity and evolution through the engagement of cross-cultural studies research.
Integrate approaches and findings from archaeology, biological anthropology, anthropological linguistics, and socio-cultural anthropology to adopt a holistic and comparative approach that recognizes human differences and similarities across the world and through time.
Employ basic anthropological concepts, terminology, and theory for the appreciation of anthropology’s history and context.
Skills Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will be able to
Draw upon anthropological research methods in the critical analysis of research methodology used in studies in anthropology and other disciplines.
Critically evaluate original anthropological datasets, including diverse scholarly and popular sources, to better address methodological / theoretical problems and issues.
Employ university-level skills in information literacy and academic integrity when writing research papers regarding anthropological subjects.
Value Outcomes
By the end of the program, students will be able to
Avoid cultural and social assumptions that form the bases of human prejudice and discrimination in their research and professional careers.
Use anthropological insights that foster tolerance and appreciation for the diversity of human cultures, ways of life, and the value of human diversity.
Possible career options
Archivist
Conservator
Cultural Resource Manager
Customer Service Agent
Employment Recruiter
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
Ethnographer/Ethnologist
Events Co-ordinator
Field Archeologist
Foreign Service Officer
Forensic Scientist or Specialist
Government Policy Analyst
Heritage Assistant
Human Resources Specialist
Immigration Officer
Laboratory Assistant
Librarian
Linguist
Lobbyist
Management Trainee
Market Research Analyst
Medical Anthropologist
Multicultural Education Specialist
Museum Technician/Assistant
National/Provincial Park Interpreter or Service Supervisor
graduate studies in anthropology or other related/unrelated disciplines
counselling
library science
public health/medicine
social work
community development
foreign affairs
journalism
urban planning
law
police studies
environmental impact assessment
education
teaching English as a second language (TESL)
* Some universities will not accept a three-year degree for admittance into a graduate program. An additional year of study may be required. Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other universities.
Resources & Links
Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.
