Anthropology is all about studying and analysing humans, their past history and current problems. It is a broad subject that is closely connected to social and biological sciences as well as the humanities and physical sciences. It’s often described as the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences, partly because it focuses on observing and analyzing people in their own surroundings and culture.  It studies how people are shaped by and interact with their social, cultural and physical environments, and will give student a high level of cultural awareness by showing them why people or cultures do particular things in certain ways.

At present not many universities offer an entire undergraduate or postgraduate level anthropology degree through distance learning. However many do offer specific anthropology modules online, which can usually be taken as part of a campus based degree course. A degree award in anthropology will fields such as academia, teaching, research, museum curation, social work, international development, government, non-profit management, and forensics.

Online anthropology degree overview

These Internet based learning courses give students the opportunity to study for a degree at a university without having to physically attend classes on campus. You can learn without having to disrupt your personal commitments or working life.

Classes are designed and taught by experts in their field. These tutors will develop individual teaching plans for students, and will fully support them through a combination of virtual classes, online tutorials, discussion forums, and personal tuition.

The real advantage of web based education is that courses can be completed from anywhere in the world, as long as there is a Internet connection. E-campus students will receive the same level of service from their learning providers in areas such as career services, online tutoring, library services and disability access.

Typical modules and subjects that can be taught on an online anthropology degree

  • Archaeology
  • Biological (or Physical) Anthropology
  • cultural anthropology
  • Ecological Anthropology
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Humanity
  • Human History
  • Linguistic Anthropology
  • Peoples of the World
  • Physical Anthropology
  • Medical Anthropology
  • Religion
  • Socio-cultural Anthropology
  • Urbanization
  • Wealth and Poverty

Students will learn how to

  • Analyze information through deeply focused observations and data collection.
  • Work independently.
  • Become culturally fluent.
  • Carry out fieldwork to gather data.
  • Make and support claims based on evidence.

Students will learn about

  • Past cultures (by studying material remains and evidence such as stone tools, pottery,  bones, and the remains of structures).
  • Natural and Social Sciences.
  • Society and People.
  • Cultural and social challenges.
  • Past and present societies.
  • How humans adapt to diverse environments.
  • The genetic and cultural diversity of humans.
  • Analytical reasoning.
  • Finding solutions to the problems of human beings.
  • Social practices and patterns across cultures.

Student requirements
To successfully study online, students must develop the time-management skills needed to balance their studies with any professional or personal commitments. They must be highly observant, and have the ability to accurately document gathered evidence. They should be curious by nature, and want to find out about the reasons for human activity and behaviour.

What to look for in a anthropology course
Find out about the course accreditation, and if it is internationally recognised. Also research the universities reputation in delivering distance learning programs, check how experienced are they in this field and how successful have they been. You can find out all of these things, and more by research online student forums, talking to career advisers, alumni, and the university teaching staff.

Career prospects and roles for anthropology graduates
This course will qualify students to pursue a broad range of jobs in sectors such as teaching, academia, law, business, media, and medicine. Anthropologists can find employment in various roles and fields, from academic institutions such as colleges and universities through to government agencies, NGO’s, and health / human services. They will be qualified to apply for jobs in both the private and public sectors.  Bachelor degree holders can pursue roles like;

  • Anthropologist / Archaeologist
  • Archivist
  • Forensic Science Technician
  • Historian
  • Social Science Research Assistant

About this page
This is a resource page that will give you useful information about what you can expect to learn on an accredited online anthropology degree course. It also lists links to a selection of popular and relevant online degrees that are run by established US and UK universities. We have focused on these two countries because at present most English language online courses are run by academic institutions based in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Through the links on this page you will find out about the:
Admission requirements
Course costs
Course length
Enrolment dates
Financial aid available to students
Modules

 

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