Curriculum
This is a 180-credit undergraduate program at the end of which you will earn either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Once you are admitted, you will work with an academic advisor to construct a detailed plan for the completion of your degree.

Taking part in a faculty-led study abroad program enriched Rachel Hensley's experience as an OSU Ecampus anthropology student. Read more »
Degree requirements
A minimum of 180 quarter credits — at least 60 of which must be upper-division credits — are required to graduate with your anthropology degree, including:
- OSU's Baccalaureate Core (general education)
- B.A. or B.S. requirements
- College of Liberal Arts Core (for all majors in OSU's College of Liberal Arts)
- Major requirements: Anthropology
- Specialization requirement: One of four options
Specialization options
You can tailor your program studies to align with your interests and career goals by choosing from one of the following areas of study:
Sample course topics
- Evolution of people
- Peoples of the world
- Global conflicts
- Wealth and poverty
- Forensic anthropology
- Biological and cultural constructions of race
- Natural resources and community values
- North America after the ice age
Additional program features
Archaeology field school
The program's archaeology specialization option requires 12 credits of site-based field school experience. The experience can be completed through a program that's convenient to your location or through one of the OSU field school options.
Transfer credits
Some of the degree requirements can be transferred from other colleges and universities. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.
Previously earned credits will need to be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.
Add a minor or undergraduate certificate
As an OSU Ecampus student, you can select from a diverse list of online minors or undergraduate certificates to add to your degree program. Combine anthropology with the Undergraduate Certificate in Food in Culture and Social Justice to position yourself to identify and promote food justice on multiple levels. Or consider a business or environmental sciences minor to create an even more powerful résumé fit for today's job market.
Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization and compliance.
Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree details
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 180 quarter credits are equal to 120 semester credits.
† Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. Only the archaeology option requires site-based field school experience. View the curriculum.
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