Best Online Anthropology Degree Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

What can I expect from an online anthropology degree program?

Online anthropology degree programs offer curricula that are similar to on-campus offerings. Courses usually cover cultural, biological, archaeological, and linguistic anthropology, with opportunities to specialize as they advance. Interactive learning tools, such as discussion forums, virtual labs, and video lectures, foster collaboration and critical thinking.

Despite the remote format, students can get strong faculty support and access to digital research resources. Assignments may include ethnographic studies, case analyses, and virtual fieldwork simulations. Moreover, flexibility is a key advantage in online anthropology degree programs. It allows learners to study at their own pace while balancing work or personal responsibilities.

Students can expect to graduate with a solid foundation in human diversity, research skills, and cultural awareness that is applicable to various careers.

Where can I work with an online anthropology degree?

In 2023, 8,700 anthropologists and archeologists worked in the US. The following industries employed the largest shares of these professionals in the same year (US BLS, 2025):

• Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (27%): Anthropologists conduct in-depth studies on human societies, behaviors, and cultural trends and contribute to scholarly knowledge.
• Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (22%): They advise businesses and organizations on cultural practices and help improve communication, diversity, and project outcomes.
• Federal Government (Excluding Postal Service) (21%): Anthropologists support policymaking, cultural preservation, and, sometimes, forensic investigations related to human remains or historical findings.
• Engineering Services (6%): They evaluate land use to ensure that development projects respect and preserve archaeological and cultural resources.
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (State) (5%): Anthropologists teach, mentor students, and lead research projects that deepen understanding of human culture and history.

How much can I make with an online anthropology degree?

Anthropologists and archaeologists in the US had a median annual wage of $64,910 in May 2024. The figure is higher than the $49,500 median annual wage of all occupations across the country (US BLS, 2025).

To give you a better idea of the potential salary range of anthropologists and archaeologists, I've listed down the average annual wages for the top industries for this discipline (US BLS, 2025):

• Federal Government (Excluding Postal Service): $89,460
• Engineering Services: $63,410
• Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities: $60,940
• Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: $59,990
• Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (State): $57,010

In comparison to the above values, historians had a median annual wage of $74,050, and sociologists had $101,690 (US BLS, 2025). Notably, these occupations require aspirants to have earned at least a master’s degree in relevant fields. Professionals with a higher educational attainment level may be able to have increased income potential and improved employability.

List of Online Anthropology Degree Programs for 2025

1. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in anthropology. Core courses in the program include cultural anthropology, language and culture, biological anthropology, as well as world archaeology. Freshman applicants are required to have a high school diploma or the equivalent, have a minimum high school GPA of 2.5, and submit test scores if they graduated from high school less than 5  years ago.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Subfields Available: Cultural Anthropology; Archaeology; Biological Anthropology; Linguistics
• Cost per Credit: $129.18 (Resident); $552.62 (Non-resident)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120 credits
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an online BA degree program in anthropology. The program curriculum includes key courses, such as Blood and Valor in the Viking World, Human Biological Diversity, and An Archaeology of Walt Disney World. Notably, UCF Online also offers over 20 other bachelor’s degree programs aside from graduate degree and certificate programs.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Subfields Available: Archaeology; Cultural Anthropology; Linguistics; and Physical Anthropology
• Cost per Credit: $179.19 (Resident); $769.45 (Non-resident)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120 credits
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online BA degree program in anthropology. The program curriculum includes major core courses such as Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, Buried Cities and Lost Tribes, as well as Bones, Stones, and Human Evolution. 

• Program Length: 4 years
• Course Requirements: Major Core Courses; Sociocultural Anthropology Course; Archaeology Course; Physical/Evolutionary Anthropology Course
• Cost per Credit: $671
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120 credits
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online BA degree program in anthropology. The program curriculum includes key courses, such as cultural anthropology, foundations in archaeology, biological anthropology, ethics in anthropology, and research literacy in social sciences.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Areas of Concentration: Anthropology; Environmental Sustainability
• Cost per Credit: $342
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120 credits
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) or BA degree program in anthropology. Required core courses include indigenous anthropology, anthropological theories, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Subfields Available: Contact the university for information on subfields.
• Cost per Credit: $384
• Required Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

How long does it take to complete an online anthropology degree program?

Earning an online anthropology degree can take around 4 years to finish, depending on the level of study, enrollment status, and program structure. A full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in anthropology usually completes the program in about 4 years, while part-time students may take 5 to 6 years. Accelerated online programs—similar in structure to the shortest online bachelor's in sociology degree—can take a shorter amount of time, around 2 to 3 years.

Individuals pursuing a master’s degree full time can finish the program in 1 to 2 years. Moreover, doctoral programs in anthropology can range from 4 to 7 years, depending on research requirements.

Online formats often offer greater flexibility, enabling students to progress at their own pace. This adaptability makes it possible to balance studies with work or personal commitments while still achieving academic and career goals in anthropology.

How does an online anthropology degree program compare to an on-campus program?

Both on-campus and online anthropology degree programs offer similar curricula. Notably, differences in learning delivery and experiences exist between the formats, such as the following:

• Flexibility and Scheduling: Online anthropology degree programs allow students to complete coursework at their own pace and from any location. Meanwhile, on-campus degree programs require fixed schedules and in-person attendance.
• Learning Environment: On-campus programs offer face-to-face discussions with professors and peers, fostering collaboration in labs, lectures, and anthropology clubs. Online programs create a virtual academic community through discussion boards, live video sessions, and collaborative digital projects.
• Fieldwork and Hands-on Experience: On-campus degree students may have easier access to labs, campus resources, and ethnographic fieldwork. In contrast, online degree programs may offer virtual simulations, digital artifact databases, or require students to arrange field experiences locally.
• Networking and Career Development. On-campus programs provide in-person networking through departmental events, visiting scholar lectures, and alumni connections. Online programs offer virtual career workshops, research conferences, and global collaboration opportunities.

Much like the best online cybersecurity bootcamps, online anthropology programs have evolved to provide interactive, tech-enabled experiences that rival traditional in-person formats while giving students added flexibility.

What is the average cost of an online anthropology degree program?

The average cost of attending an online anthropology degree program can be relatively affordable than on-campus ones. To give you an idea, here are the tuition rates for some of the best academic institutions offering this program:

• University of Florida: $129.18 (Resident); $552.62 (Non-resident)
• University of Central Florida: $179.19 (Resident); $769.45 (Non-resident)
• Arizona State University: $671
• Southern New Hampshire University: $342
• Oregon State University: $384

These options aside, you may also explore the cheapest online anthropology degree programs if you are looking to cut down tuition costs. 

However, keep in mind that aside from tuition and other school fees, on-campus students may need to shell out for associated expenses, such as housing, transportation, and meals.

Additionally, determining the cost of online anthropology degree programs depend on several factors, such as the following:

• Type of Academic Institution: Public universities may offer lower tuition rates, particularly for in-state residents. Meanwhile, private academic institutions usually have higher costs. However, private schools may provide more generous financial aid packages.
• Program Level and Length: Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs vary in tuition per credit hour, with graduate degrees generally costing more. Longer programs tend to accumulate higher overall expenses.
• Additional Fees and Materials: Beyond tuition, students may incur costs for technology fees, online learning platforms, digital resources, and, in some cases, travel expenses for fieldwork or on-site residencies. These extra costs can significantly impact the total program tuition.

The chart below provides a visualization of the cost of online anthropology degree programs, according to current tuition data from the featured academic institutions.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online anthropology degree program?

Students pursuing an online anthropology degree have access to several financial aid options to help reduce educational costs and support academic goals.

• BigFuture Scholarship by The College Board: The College Board offers $40,000 and $500 scholarships through BigFuture. The program does not have essay and GPA requirements. Applicants must go through six qualifying steps and gain entries in monthly drawings.
• SoFi Scholarship Giveaway: Social Finance, Inc. (SoFi), a US financial technology company, offers a $2,500 scholarship monthly. Applicants only need to register their name, email address, and school.
• Beinecke Scholarship Program: The Sperry Fund offers the Beinecke Scholarship, aiming to motivate and enable eligible students to pursue graduate degrees in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Scholars are given $5,000 before entering graduate school and $30,000 during their graduate program.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online anthropology degree program?

Prerequisites for enrolling in an online anthropology degree program vary by academic institution and degree level, but common requirements include the following:

• Educational Background: For a bachelor’s degree program, applicants usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Coursework in the programs include social sciences, history, or English. Graduate programs generally require a relevant bachelor’s degree.
• Academic Records and GPA: Most schools request official transcripts and may set a minimum GPA requirement to ensure that students can handle the program’s academic rigor.
• Application Materials: Applicants may need to submit a personal statement sharing their interest in anthropology. They may also be required to submit recommendation letters from mentors or employers. Moreover, some graduate programs may require standardized test scores, such as the GRE.

Similar to how the best online dog obedience training trade school programs set clear entry standards to ensure students are prepared for hands-on learning, anthropology programs outline prerequisites to confirm readiness for advanced academic study.

What courses are typically in an online anthropology degree program?

Online anthropology degree programs usually offer foundational and specialized courses to prepare students for diverse career paths. Common courses include the following:

• Cultural Anthropology: This course explores human cultures, beliefs, and practices and teaches students to analyze cultural diversity and understand social systems worldwide.
• Biological Anthropology: This course focuses on human evolution, genetics, and biological variation. It provides insight into humanity’s physical development and adaptation over time.
• Archaeology: This course introduces methods for uncovering and interpreting material remains. It helps students reconstruct past civilizations and cultural histories.
• Linguistic Anthropology: This course examines the relationship between language and culture. Students learn how communication shapes and reflects human societies.
• Anthropological Research Methods: This course teaches qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including ethnography, interviews, and data analysis. These skills are essential for conducting scholarly and applied anthropology work.

Students interested in related career paths may also consider an accelerated behavioral health science degree online, which can complement anthropology studies by focusing on human behavior, mental health, and social well-being.

What types of specializations are available in online anthropology degree programs?

Online anthropology degree programs provide students with several subfields that they may choose to specialize in. These subfields include the following:

• Cultural Anthropology: This specialization focuses on the study of contemporary and historical cultures. This explores social structures, traditions, and belief systems across the globe.
• Biological Anthropology: This subfield examines human evolution, genetics, and biological diversity. It may integrate laboratory work and forensic analysis.
• Archaeology: This subfield involves studying material remains to understand past civilizations, using excavation, artifact analysis, and preservation techniques.
• Linguistics: This specialization investigates the relationship between language and culture by analyzing how communication shapes human interaction and identity.

Students seeking broader interdisciplinary training may also explore an accelerated social sciences online degree, which can combine anthropology with related fields like sociology, psychology, and political science to expand career opportunities.

The chart below provides a visualization of the employment levels of occupations related to the field of anthropology in the US in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

How do you choose the best online anthropology degree program?

Higher education is a huge financial commitment. Therefore, deciding on your degree program and academic institution requires thorough research and careful consideration. Explore the following criteria to help in your decision-making process:

• Accreditation: Choose programs accredited by recognized agencies to ensure academic quality and eligibility for financial aid. Accreditation also strengthens the value of the degree for future employment or graduate studies. Accrediting bodies include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
• Curriculum and Specializations: Review course offerings to ensure that they align with your professional interests and career goals. Programs that offer diverse electives and specializations, such as cultural anthropology, archaeology, or linguistics, provide greater flexibility and skill development.
• Flexibility and Support Services: Consider the delivery formats that the program offers, such as asynchronous learning, part-time options, or accelerated tracks. Some schools may even structure programs similarly to the shortest online liberal arts degrees, allowing students to graduate faster. Strong academic advising, career services, and access to online research resources can enhance the overall learning experience and support student success.

What career paths are available to graduates of online anthropology degree programs?

Graduates of online anthropology degree programs can pursue careers in various fields that apply their understanding of human culture, history, and behavior:

• Anthropologists: Anthropologists study human societies, cultural practices, and biological development, often working in research, policy, or applied anthropology roles. In May 2024, anthropologists and archaeologists across the US had a median annual wage of $64,910 (US BLS, 2025).
• Archaeologists: Archaeologists investigate past civilizations through excavation and analysis of artifacts. They are frequently employed in cultural resource management, museums, or academic research.
• Sociologists: Sociologists examine social structures, relationships, and institutions, using data and observation to address societal issues in government, nonprofit organizations, or research organizations. In May 2024, sociologists employed in the US had a median annual wage of $101,690 (US BLS,2025).
• Historians: Historians research, interpret, and present historical events. They often work in archives, education, museums, or publishing. In May 2024, historians across the US had a median annual wage of $74,050 (US BLS, 2025).
• Curators: Curators manage museum collections, plan exhibitions, and develop educational programs to preserve and share cultural or historical artifacts. In May 2024, curators working in the US had a median annual wage of $57,100 (US BLS, 2025).

The chart below provides a visualization of the median annual wages of occupations related to the field of anthropology in the US in May 2024, according to 2025 data from the US BLS. Similar to graduates of the best online energy policy degree programs, anthropology students gain versatile skills that allow them to work across government, research, nonprofit, and educational sectors.

What is the job market like for graduates of online anthropology degree programs?

From 2023 to 2033, employment for anthropologists and archaeologists is expected to increase by 8%, which is faster than the average job growth rate for all US occupations. The figure is equivalent to an average of around 800 job openings yearly over the decade (US BLS, 2025).

In 2023, 21% of anthropologists and archaeologists that worked in the country were employed by the federal government, excluding postal service. Notably, the federal government was the highest-paying employer for these professionals in May 2024 in terms of median annual wage, with $89,460 (US BLS, 2025).

Moreover, the largest employers for anthropologists and archaeologists in the US were organizations and institutions in research and development in the social sciences and humanities. The sector employed 27% of these professionals in 2023 and had a median annual wage of $60,940 for them in May 2024 (US BLS, 2025). Students aiming for careers in this sector may benefit from an accelerated humanities degree online to enter the workforce sooner.

Separately, students interested in advancing their careers may consider the best online master's in higher education programs, which can complement an anthropology background and open pathways into academic administration, educational leadership, and research support roles.

The following occupations related to the field of anthropology also had positive job growth rates from 2023 to 2033 (US BLS, 2025):

• Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers: 11%
• Sociologists: 7%
• Historians: 6%

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Online Anthropology Degree Programs

Other Things You Need to Know about Online Anthropology Degree Programs

What degree is best for anthropology?

A bachelor’s degree in anthropology is the best starting point as it offers a broad foundation in cultural, biological, archaeological, and linguistic anthropology. For advanced research or specialized careers, a master’s degree or PhD degree in anthropology provides deeper expertise and opens opportunities in academia, museums, or applied fields.

Is anthropology a worthwhile degree?

Anthropology is a worthwhile degree for those passionate about understanding human cultures, behaviors, and evolution. It develops critical thinking, research, and communication skills. These skills are valuable in various careers, such as in education, public service, international development, and cultural resource management. It also fosters a deep appreciation for human diversity.

Moreover, anthropologists and archaeologists in the US had a median annual wage of $64,910 in May 2024 (US BLS, 2025).

What are the four majors of anthropology?

The four major branches of anthropology are cultural anthropology, biological/physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. Each focuses on different aspects of human life—from cultural practices and language to human evolution and ancient civilizations.

Is anthropology a difficult degree?

Anthropology can be challenging, as it blends science and humanities and requires strong analytical, research, and writing skills. Students explore complex topics, such as culture, evolution, and language. However, those passionate about understanding human behavior and diversity often find the intellectual challenge rewarding and deeply engaging.