Bachelor of Arts Honors in Anthropology Degree Program Guide

This Honors program provides broad training in Anthropology and an opportunity to undertake independent work. “ANTHR 499 - Honors Seminar and Research Project” is a special course where Anthropology Honors students will undertake their own supervised research, setting students up to be ideal graduate study candidates in Anthropology and related fields while developing strong relationships with faculty members..

Anthropology contributes to a multidisciplinary understanding of the human condition through the study of human biological, cultural, and linguistic variation. Because of its breadth, anthropology has been described as the "most humanistic of the sciences and the most scientific of the humanities." At the University of Alberta, archaeologists and biological anthropologists explore the deep history of human diversity through the archaeological record. Cultural and linguistic anthropologists combine philosophical questions with in-depth ethnographic research to explore the diversity of contemporary societies.

Academic Requirements for Anthropology Honors students

General Requirements and Information
  • Honors in Anthropology requires a minimum of 48 units and a maximum of 60 units in Anthropology (at the junior and senior level)
  • A minimum of 12 units must be at the 400-level
  • Promotion from year to year requires a GPA of at least 3.0 with an average of at least 3.3 in Anthropology courses
  • Graduation with Honors in Anthropology requires a graduation average of at least 3.0 with an average of at least 3.3 in Anthropology courses. Graduation with First Class Honors requires a minimum GPA of 3.7 on Anthropology courses beyond the junior level and 3.5 or better on all courses in the final year (last 30 units)
Course Requirements
  • ANTHR 206 - Introduction to Archaeology
  • ANTHR 209 - Introduction to Biological Anthropology
  • ANTHR 499 - Honors Seminar and Research Project (which includes the Honors research project)
  • 3 units from your choice of:
    • ANTHE 207 - Introduction à l’anthropologie sociale et culturelle
    • ANTHR 207 - Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology
  • 3 units from your choice of:
    • ANTHE 208 - Introduction à l’anthropologie linguistique
    • ANTHR 208 - Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
  • 3 units from your choice of:
    • ANTHR 302 - History of Anthropological Theory
    • ANTHR 303 - History of Anthropological Archaeology
    • ANTHR 304 - History of Biological Anthropology
Additional Notes
  • The Department recommends that students applying to the Honors research program should have already completed at least two of ANTHR 206, ANTHR 207, ANTHR 208, and ANTHR 209
  • The Honors Anthropology program does not have a minor requirement
  • All Honors students must consult the Associate Chair (Undergraduate Programs) prior to registering
  • Students are encouraged to take 3 units in each of the four anthropological subdisciplines at the 300- or 400-level

Academic Requirements for Anthropology Combined Honors students

General Requirements and Information
  • A Combined Honors degree in Anthropology and another discipline requires a minimum of 36 units at the junior and senior levels in Anthropology and a minimum of 36 units in the other discipline
  • At least 30 units must be at the senior level
  • A combined Honors Essay (INT D 520) is allowed with permission of the Honors Advisors
Course Requirements
  • ANTHR 206 - Introduction to Archaeology
  • ANTHR 209 - Introduction to Biological Anthropology
  • ANTHR 499 - Honors Seminar and Research Project (which includes the Honors research project)
  • 3 units from your choice of:
    • ANTHE 207 - Introduction à l’anthropologie sociale et culturelle
    • ANTHR 207 - Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology
  • 3 units from your choice of:
    • ANTHE 208 - Introduction à l’anthropologie linguistique
    • ANTHR 208 - Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
  • 3 units from your choice of:
    • ANTHR 302 - History of Anthropological Theory
    • ANTHR 303 - History of Anthropological Archaeology
    • ANTHR 304 - History of Biological Anthropology
Additional Notes
  • In a Combined Honors program, students must meet the promotion and graduation standards of each Department (see the above section)

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can Anthropology Honors students take?

  • ANTHR 110 - Gender, Age, and Culture
  • ANTHR 140 - Anthropology of Death
  • ANTHR 150 - Race and Racism
  • ANTHR 209 - Introduction to Biological Anthropology
  • ANTHR 230 - Anthropology of Science, Technology, and Environment
  • ANTHR 256 - Alberta Archaeology
  • ANTHR 302 - History of Anthropological Theory
  • ANTHR 311 - Archaeology of Indigenous North America
  • ANTHR 324 - Economic Anthropology
  • ANTHR 499 - Honors Seminar and Research Project

What kinds of careers can you pursue with an Anthropology Honors degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with an Anthropology Honors degree. From cultural archeology to public policy, graduates are equipped with strong research, attention to detail and critical thinking skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Field Archaeologist
  • Cultural Resource Manager
  • Educational Consultant
  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Museum Curator
  • Archivist and Conservator
  • Global Health Specialist
  • Forensic Anthropologist
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Researcher and Policy Advisor
  • Cultural Affairs Specialist
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • International Aid Worker
  • Ecotourism Developer
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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