Bachelor of Anthropology at The Ohio State University
The Anthropology at The Ohio State University is a Full Time Bachelor program offered on the Columbus campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 4 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Anthropology
Anthropology
Degree: BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
Anthropology is the study of the biology, prehistory and culture of human society in a worldwide setting. Anthropologists study people from all times and all places. Anthropology focuses on human and non-human primate evolution by studying the behavior of living and extinct human and primate groups (physical or biological anthropology). It looks at cultural history and past lifeways and studies how human societies have changed from ancient to modern times (archaeology). It also examines the behavior of living societies in order to understand differences in contemporary cultures (cultural anthropology). This includes the study of topics such as language, kinship, religion, ecology, urbanism, and culture and personality.
One of four anthropology major programs offered by the college, the anthropology major leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree and is designed to broadly prepare students in each of the three major anthropological subfields (physical anthropology, cultural anthropology and archaeology). This major provides training for a variety of career options including—but not limited to—those in the humanities and the natural, social and behavioral sciences.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students declare an interest in anthropology within the College of Arts and Sciences. Interested students contact the undergraduate advisor for anthropology and an advisor in Arts and Sciences Advising.
Curriculum
The anthropology major, leading to a BA, requires a minimum of 34 credit hours.
- one prerequisite course, Introduction to Physical Anthropology
- core courses (15 hours): World Prehistory, Peoples and Culture, History of Anthropological Theory, Fundamentals of Archaeology, and either Human Evolution or Human Variation
- an additional course in each of the subfields of anthropology (nine hours)—archaeology, physical anthropology and cultural anthropology
- six additional hours taken from any subfield of anthropology
Internship
Internships are strongly encouraged in a range of settings, including museums, contract archaeology firms, and in a variety of local, state and federal agencies.
A forensic field school is usually offered every summer on the Columbus campus. In addition, the department regularly offers an archaeological field school in either the United States or Europe. In the United States, this includes fieldwork especially in the Midwest.
Honors and Scholars
The Department of Anthropology offers Honors sections of the introductory courses that survey the basic concepts and knowledge of the three major subdivisions (Introduction to Physical Anthropology, World Prehistory, and Peoples and Cultures). Honors students may pursue graduation with distinction in anthropology by completing a senior Honors thesis. Non-Honors students may also graduate with research distinction by the completion of a senior thesis.
Research
Undergraduates can become involved in diverse laboratory and field-based research opportunities. We are on the leading edge of undergraduate training of anthropological scientists and are poised to offer more opportunities.
For the next several years, Ohio State has a project in Hungary that involves student participation. The National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates and the International Research Experience for Students programs fund multiple students for research in Hungary each year.
In addition to general laboratory space for undergraduate research, students benefit from exploring the following:
- the premier paleoethnobotany laboratory in the nation
- a state-of-the-art bioarchaeology laboratory
- an extensive collection of human skeletal remains
- laboratory resources and comparative materials for forensic studies
- archaeological field projects (via field schools or independent study) in Ohio, Hungary and Yemen
- bioarchaeological field projects in Italy and Turkey
- paleoanthropological field experience at fossil hominid sites in South Africa and paleoecological data analysis
- cultural ecology and human biology field experience in the Amazon and Cameroon
- economic anthropology with an emphasis on Mexico
- a human biological anthropology laboratory with genetic, anthropometric and physiological equipment
- an established research station with habituated non-human primates in the Ivory Coast (West Africa)
- dental anthropology with analysis of human, non-human primate and human dentitions or dental replicas
- a large collection of non-human primate skeleton-dental material from West Africa
Student organizations
The undergraduate student organization, the Anthropology Club, offers a chance to get to know other students and to hear from faculty about research and field study opportunities.
Possible careers
A variety of employment opportunities exist for a graduate with an anthropology degree, including contract or government archaeologist, admissions counselor, museum curator, mental health consultant, social service worker, laboratory assistant, foreign service agent, international business associate or forensic anthropologist. Graduates in anthropology from Ohio State have found employment in a range of careers in business, health professions, engineering, government, law, education, social services and museums.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Anthropology at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Anthropology at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Anthropology at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus