10 Easiest Anthropology Degree Programs 2026

Anthropology degrees explore human societies, cultures, and behavior across time. These programs often attract students who enjoy studying people and social systems rather than focusing on advanced math or lab-based science.

If you’re looking for an easier anthropology degree, many universities offer flexible online or on-campus options with fewer technical requirements. These programs balance cultural understanding, research skills, and real-world application in a more approachable format.

What Makes an Anthropology Degree “Easy”?

An anthropology program can be easier when it focuses on broad cultural studies rather than intensive fieldwork or lab research. The following factors often make these degrees more manageable for students:

• choosing programs that limit science and statistics requirements to general education courses
• finding schools that allow online or hybrid study formats
• selecting majors that emphasize theory, discussion, and writing over fieldwork or data collection
• enrolling in programs with high acceptance rates and flexible admission policies
• taking advantage of advising and academic support services for research or writing projects

Easiest Anthropology Degree Programs

Anthropology is a degree field that often doesn't require many mathematics courses but may require some science as well as some research. Because of this, some programs may be easier than others. Below, we've featured ten of the easiest anthropology programs in the United States.

1. California State University, Chico

California State University, Chico is a public university in Chico, CA. The university offers a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology with concentrations in archeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, or museum studies.

This program provides students with a broad perspective on human biological and cultural development. No math or science courses are required beyond the general education requirements, and field research opportunities are not required.

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is a public research university in Fort Collins, CO. It's the flagship university of the Colorado State University system and offers programs on campus and through its online World Campus.

This program does not require any math or science outside of the general education courses. It also does not require field research, although a capstone seminar is required to conclude the program.

3. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University is a public research university in Fargo, ND. It offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in anthropology.

Science and math courses are only required for the general education portion. This degree allows students to choose between field experience or individual study to end their program.

4. Oregon State University

Oregon State University is a public research university based in Corvallis, OR. It offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in anthropology on campus and online.

These programs provide students with an understanding of human societies and cultures past and present. Specializations are available in archeology, biocultural anthropology, cultural/linguistic anthropology, and general anthropology.

No math or science courses are required for the major, and there is no field research requirement either. The degree concludes with a capstone course.

5. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public university in Edwardsville, IL. A Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in anthropology are available at the university, both of which emphasize real-world applications of anthropology.

The anthropology major at SIUE does not require math or science courses and field research courses are not required either. Students must complete a capstone project to complete the degree.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university in Manchester, NH. It offers programs online and on campus.

The Bachelor of Arts in anthropology at SNHU is an online program that applies anthropological theory and methods to real-world problems. A concentration in environmental sustainability is available.

The university's general education requirements include some math and science courses, but the major itself does not. No fieldwork or internships are required, but students do conclude the program with a capstone course.

7. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis is a public research university in Memphis, TN. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology on campus and online.

This program provides students with the opportunity to explore the culture, evolution, behavior, beliefs, and social organization of people around the world. The major does not require additional math or science courses and also does not require fieldwork or a capstone project.

8. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public research university in Vermillion, SD. It offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in anthropology.

Students study past cultures, examine human biology, explore the role of culture in society, and come to understand the interaction of culture and language. No math or science courses are required outside of the general education core, and no fieldwork or internships are required. Students must complete a senior seminar.

9. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university in Hattiesburg, MS. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology.

Students in this program develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the diverse cultures and societies that make up our world. A handful of math and science courses are needed for the general education requirements, but not for the major. No fieldwork is required, but the program concludes with a capstone course.

10. University of Wyoming

The University of Wyoming is a public research university in Laramie, WY. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology.

This program provides both general anthropological education and the opportunity to specialize in the four main subfields: archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. The major does not require math or science courses and also does not require fieldwork, an internship, or a capstone course.

How We Rank Schools

The easiest anthropology degree programs are selected for their flexibility, accessible course structures, and minimal technical requirements. Each program offers pathways that make it realistic for students balancing school, work, or family.

• Accreditation: Each university is regionally accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Degree requirements: Programs feature limited math or science requirements and often waive fieldwork or internship obligations.
• Online options: Several listed schools offer fully or partially online anthropology degrees for added convenience.
• Affordability: Rankings consider in-state tuition rates, available scholarships, and opportunities for credit transfer.

FAQs About the Easiest Anthropology Degrees

Anthropology combines cultural insight and academic curiosity with flexible career potential. Below are some frequently asked questions about pursuing an easy or accessible anthropology degree.

Are Anthropology Degrees Hard to Earn?

Anthropology degrees are usually considered moderate in difficulty. They rely more on reading, writing, and analysis than math or technical lab work, which many students find more approachable.

However, success still depends on staying organized and managing research projects effectively. Students who enjoy studying cultures, societies, and communication often find the coursework engaging and manageable.

What Can You Do With an Anthropology Degree?

Graduates can work in museums, education, cultural resource management, or nonprofit organizations. Some move into research, advocacy, or community development roles that connect directly with people and cultures.

Others continue to graduate school for careers in archaeology, sociology, or public policy. Anthropology also builds transferable skills in writing, analysis, and critical thinking that fit many career paths.

Can You Earn an Anthropology Degree Fully Online?

Yes, some universities now offer online bachelor’s degrees in anthropology. These programs are designed for flexibility and typically replace fieldwork with virtual labs or digital research projects.

Online formats allow you to balance school with other responsibilities while still learning about global cultures and human behavior. Programs may also provide hybrid options with optional on-site components.

Explore Anthropology Degrees

Find an anthropology program that fits your interests and schedule. Learn.org helps you compare flexible, accredited anthropology degrees designed to make completing your education more achievable.