Best Online Anthropology Degrees in 2025

Anthropology is the study of human culture. It's a field of liberal arts and humanities that can lead to roles like an archeologist or museum curator. It can also lay a strong foundation for numerous careers in business, education, and law.

There are several top online bachelor's degrees in anthropology that students can pursue, many of which are affordable online anthropology degrees. Keep reading to discover the best online anthropology degrees.

Top Online Anthropology Degree Programs

More than two dozen colleges and universities across the U.S. offer online anthropology degree programs. Below, we've highlighted some of the top online programs in anthropology.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in anthropology. The BA program includes optional electives in archaeology, physical/evolutionary anthropology, and sociocultural studies.

ASU's School of Human Evolution and Social Change has one of the largest and most diverse anthropology programs in the country. Additionally, ASU is tied at number four on the U.S. News and World Reports rankings of best online schools in the U.S.

2. Colorado State University

At Colorado State University, online students can earn a BA in anthropology. This program helps students build a nuanced understanding of cultural differences so they can start thinking more critically about the world and gain the skills to work with underserved populations.

This public research university is based in Fort Collins, CO. Students in this program have the option to attend three field schools during the summer:

• a paleontology field school in Wyoming
• an archeology field school in Colorado
• an ethnographic field school in South Dakota

3. Oregon State University

An online bachelor's degree in anthropology is available through Oregon State University. OSU is a public research institution in Corvallis, OR, and is tied with ASU for fourth on the U.S. News and World Report ranking list.

The program offers four specializations: archeology, biocultural anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistics, or general anthropology. All prepare students for jobs that emphasize cross-cultural awareness, international contacts, and management of cultural resources.

4. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a BA in anthropology online. Students can choose a concentration in cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, or linguistics.

UF, located in Gainesville, FL, is a public research university. It's ranked second on the U.S. News and World Report list of best online colleges in the U.S.

5. University of Houston-Clear Lake

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is a public institution in Houston. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in anthropology that includes coursework on research methods, human behavior, and anthropological theories.

Anthropology students will develop fieldwork skills, analytical reading, critical thinking, strong oral and written communication skills, an understanding of wide-ranging cultures, and an appreciation of the value of diversity. They'll be prepared to work in various diverse, cross-cultural settings.

6. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Students at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth can earn a bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology online, with the option to concentrate specifically on anthropology. The program examines societies and basic institutions, as well as smaller groups (e.g., families, peers, and neighborhoods).

This public research university is based in North Dartmouth, MA. It offers an affordable tuition rate, a generous transfer policy, and internship opportunities.

7. University of Memphis

A bachelor's degree in anthropology is available online from the University of Memphis. The public research institution is based in Memphis, TN.

This online BA program explores culture, evolution, behavior, beliefs, and social structures. The university's Department of Anthropology is taught by renowned faculty and offers distinguished scholarship opportunities.

8. University of Nebraska Omaha

The University of Nebraska Omaha offers an online bachelor's degree in sociology with a concentration in anthropology. This concentration includes upper-division coursework on archeology, physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, human culture, and more.

UNO is a public research university in Omaha, NE. It offers field experience and internship opportunities for online students as well.

9. Utah State University

Utah State University is a public research university in Logan, UT. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in anthropology. It includes courses on cultural anthropology, conservation and sustainability, applied anthropology, and the anthropology of disease.

These online courses help students develop cultural competency through the study of countless cultures around the world. Anthropology graduates will be prepared to contribute to areas such as business, law enforcement, social sciences and services, and environmental issues.

10. Washington State University

Through Washington State University, students can earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology online. This program covers fundamental anthropological concepts and practices and offers a variety of electives in anthropology subfields with a particular emphasis on cultural anthropology.

What To Expect From an Online Anthropology Program

Online anthropology degrees are usually offered asynchronously, meaning that you don't have set meeting times. This is far more flexible than learning on campus. Some programs include in-person internships or fieldwork experiences.

Bachelor's degrees in anthropology are usually 120 credit hours, which takes about four years of full-time learning to complete. Some schools may offer accelerated online anthropology degrees, which allow you to complete your program in less time.

These programs offer courses on anthropological theory, human behavior, research methods, cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archeology, and more. They can prepare you for a range of jobs, including anthropologist, archaeologist, and museum curator. Note that some jobs may require a master's degree, and there are several top online master's in anthropology available.

Admission Requirements for Anthropology Programs

Admissions requirements for anthropology programs typically vary between bachelor's and master's degrees. For bachelor's degrees, you'll need to be admitted to the school. In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, you may need:

• a minimal high school GPA
• minimal ACT or SAT scores
• personal essays
• letters of recommendation

Some programs may require you to have completed your general education courses first, and some may have prerequisites. If you're pursuing a degree completion program, you'll typically need an associate degree or a minimal number of transfer credits.

Scholarship Opportunities for Anthropology Majors

Many online colleges accept financial aid or offer their own financial aid programs to help students pay for higher education. Independent scholarship opportunities for anthropology majors are available as well. We've highlighted a few below.

Beinecke Scholarship Program

Award Amount: $35,000

Application Deadline: Varies

The Beinecke Scholarship is for junior or senior students studying arts, humanities, and social sciences. It provides $5,000 immediately, as well as $30,000 for graduate school.

Students must be nominated by their institution. Nominations from campus liaisons are due on the last Friday in March.

Society for Linguistic Anthropology Annual Student Essay Prize

Award Amount: Varies

Application Deadline: June 15, 2025

The Society for Linguistic Anthropology (SLA) Annual Student Essay Prize is awarded to one undergraduate and one graduate student each year. Students must complete a paper based on original research to qualify.

The undergraduate winner receives a cash award, a certificate of accomplishment, and a small travel grant to the annual American Anthropology Association meeting. Graduate students receive all of the above, as well as an invitation to submit their paper for consideration for publication with the Journal of Linguistic Anthropology.

Zora Neale Hurston Scholarships

Award Amount: $500-$1,000

Application Deadline: February 1 each year

The Zora Neale Hurston Scholarships are scholarships offered by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. This scholarship is for current high school students who plan to pursue a degree in humanities, including anthropology.

To apply for this scholarship, students must complete the application form and send in three letters of recommendation, their transcript, and a 150-word essay.

Earn Your Online Bachelor's Degree Today

Pursue your online education by exploring the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. You can request info on enrollment, online learning, and financial aid by contacting individual schools.