Anthropology Degree Online Bachelor's (BA) Program

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, 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.

AAccording 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).