Program Details
Anthropology (online), Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Commonwealth University
The Bachelor of Science in Anthropology curriculum seeks to ensure that each student develops a solid foundation in the basic principles, theories and techniques of analysis. Since students majoring in anthropology vary in their interests and career goals, the curriculum allows for a great deal of flexibility developing individual courses of study. Students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in anthropology will usually take more than the minimum number of upper-level courses. The department provides opportunities for involvement in faculty research through its course offerings, which include independent study, internships and honors research.
Outcomes
Global knowledge, citizenship and ethics: Anthropology graduates will recognize and describe cultural, economic, informational and social interdependencies that exist among nations and cultures today, including an ethical understanding of the effects of such factors as racial, ethnic and gender differences. Scientific and anthropological literacy: Students will evaluate and assess scientific findings by employing concepts and methodologies of modern science as applied to anthropological questions. Advanced oral and written communication skills: Graduates will effectively communicate ideas about anthropological tenets in both oral and written formats. Research methods and design skills: Students will demonstrate the ability to design appropriate anthropological research questions and apply research methodologies to answer those questions. Critical-thinking skills: Graduates will critically evaluate their own cultural and biological histories and experiences, as well as those of others. Experiential learning: Students will synthesize and apply anthropological tenets in experiential learning opportunities including study abroad, internships, service-learning, independent studies or field schools.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | The degree introduces students to the methods of investigation and analysis used by scholars in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and to anthropology’s sub-disciplines of archaeological, biological, linguistic, and socio-cultural anthropology. In doing so, the B.S. in Anthropology provides a well-rounded understanding of the interacting complexity of forces that we shape and which shape who we are. The Anthropology degree provides a strong foundation in the theories and practices of anthropology and flexibility for students to pursue their own course of study. As is true with World Studies’ degrees in Foreign Languages, International Studies, and Religious Studies, Anthropology offers students opportunities to engage in real world learning through internships, lab-based and field research, and study abroad programs. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes The Bachelor of Science in Anthropology requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 35 of those credits in anthropology averaging a minimum GPA of 2.25. Students must take at least 25 credits in upper-level (300, 400 or 500) ANTH courses. However, a student with a particular anthropological interest that can be best served by courses without the ANTH prefix may suggest a relevant selection of up to six elective credits from such classes to be counted toward the major. Alternatively, in addition to the three experiential credits fulfilling collateral requirements, a maximum of six credits from internships and/or independent studies may be counted toward the elective degree requirements. A plan for such selection must be presented to and approved by the program coordinator in the student's junior year or, for those students entering the program at the junior level, at a time stipulated by the program coordinator. In order to begin upper-level course work in any foreign language, students must have consecutively completed 101, 102, 201, and 202 or 205 courses in a respective foreign language or prove the equivalent proficiency level through placement testing. Anthropology majors are strongly encouraged to complete a minor, preferably one offered in World Studies. Students should refer to the listing in the general description of the School of World Studies. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Students are encouraged take SOC 211 Cultural Anthropology prior to starting at VCU.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Anthropology has a wide variety of study abroad options for those students who would like to study away from VCU. |
Program Successes & Highlights | The anthropology program champions a holistic and comparative approach to the study of humanity in the broadest sense. We are committed to the scientific understanding of our common humanity as well as the informed appreciation of our cultural and historical diversity. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Science degree or the General Education Certificate before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements waived. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Science degree or the General Education Certificate before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements waived. |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Education: K-12 Special Education Adapted and General Curriculum Major, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science: Science (Chemistry Major) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science: Science (Chemistry Major) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Anthropology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Anthropology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Anthropology & Archaeology BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Anthropology & Archaeology BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, In-Person |
George Mason University | Anthropology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
William & Mary | Anthropology - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BA in Anthropology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BA in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Anthropological Sciences | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: Art History Major, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Psychology Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Social Work Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Social Sciences (Social Work Major) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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19-3091.00 | Anthropologists and Archeologists | Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1061.00 | Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete
