Anthropology, BA

Anthropology students are typically interested in a wide range of topics, unified only by their connection to the human condition. These interests range from the reconstruction of the evolutionary processes leading to modern humans to complex issues concerning contemporary human cultural diversity. Many students are fascinated by the archaeological remains of the peoples who previously occupied not only our region, but many other areas of the world. Many of our students are interested in traveling, meeting people of other societies, viewing museum exhibits, analyzing artifacts, interviewing and learning techniques of observation, learning new languages and developing excellent cross-cultural communication skills. Anthropology students acquire skills that serve them in many different settings and occupations, including how to communicate with people of different cultures, how to recognize the varied perspectives that characterize people from different societies, how to gather and interpret data about human beings and how to obtain funding and work within a budget.

Admission into the Major

Students are expected to formally declare a major no later than the fourth semester of full-time enrollment (or at 61 semester hours for transfer students). Students can declare a major by completing the Change of Major/Minor Application online under the Student tab of myBama.

Students are expected to meet the director of undergraduate studies as soon as they declare a major in Anthropology. The director will advise them of curriculum requirements, assign an adviser in the department, and answer any questions concerning curriculum.

Special Opportunities

The department sponsors a local chapter of Lambda Alpha, a national anthropology honor society. Membership requires junior standing, at least 12 hours of completed coursework in the major and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The department also supports an active student-run Anthropology Club, which is involved in archaeological digs, the Moundville Native American Festival, and many other academic and recreational activities throughout the year.

• The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
• GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
• UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
  • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
  • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
  • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
• For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
• Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
  • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
  • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
• Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
• Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

• The undergraduate international admissions office will review the applicant’s transcripts within the context of the school, curriculum and country.
• GPA will be calculated on all coursework, not just core subjects. UA considers applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for admission.
• UA will accept unofficial transcripts for admission purposes. These can be emailed or uploaded by the student. 
  • If a student applies with unofficial documents, we MUST receive the official documents directly from the school or testing authority by July 1 for Fall admission and November 1 for Spring admission. 
  • Any student who does not provide official copies will not be able to enroll for courses. 
  • If a student’s official documents are not available by that time, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Students requesting an exception must email [email protected] before the deadline to be considered.
• For academic admission, students must meet the English proficiency requirement. For more information see UA’s English Language Proficiency page. 
• Students who meet the academic and financial qualifications, but do not meet the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score requirement may apply for conditional admission.
  • Conditionally admitted students will begin their studies in the English Language Institute and then enter directly into their academic coursework once they have satisfied English proficiency. 
  • For more information see UA’s conditional admission page.
• Students requiring F-1 and J-1 visas must also send documentation in order to secure an I-20 or DS-2010.
• Successful candidates for UA will have completed a college preparatory curriculum.

Students with anthropology degrees have employment opportunities in educational institutions, museums, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, international agencies, marketing (and other aspects of commerce), health agencies, the Park and Forest services, the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state historic preservation offices, cultural resource management firms and many other professions.

Types of Jobs Accepted

Graduates of the Department of Anthropology at UA have gone on to pursue advanced degrees, found employment in institutions of higher learning, in private cultural resource firms, in journalism and in public health entities (both in the U.S. and abroad.)

Jobs of Experienced Alumni

Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal; professor, vice president of public service and outreach; Center for Disease Control specialist; archaeologist with the National Park Service, National Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; consumer habit researcher with Microsoft; product promotion strategist with AT&T

Learn more about opportunities in this field at the Career Center

• Copy of your passport
• Relevant visa and immigration documents (This includes PR card, current visa, or F-1/ J-1 visa request and supporting documents)
• Unofficial transcript copies from every secondary school you have attended. This includes academic transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, diplomas or certificates, national standardized examination results, or other academic course work.
  • Include an English translation for all documents not written in English. If you need assistance translating your documents into English, we recommend using the American Translators Association to find a certified translator.
  • Students graduating high school in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, The Gambia or Sierra Leone must submit a copy of their WASSCE results and scratch card information (serial number and PIN) in order to complete their application.
• Students that graduated 6 or more months ago should also provide a brief statement listing any academic activities since graduation (including any post-secondary coursework at institutions inside or outside of the US, English language programs, study abroad programs, etc.) List name(s) of the institutions and dates of attendance. If you have no additional academic activities, please write a short statement that speaks to your activities during the gap period. In the statement, please include the following and send to International Admissions at [email protected]:
  • Full Name
  • Address
  • High School/Secondary School
  • Graduation Date