Anthropology Degree
Anthropology is like history … but messier.
Whether you’re interested in examining relics, learning how evolution produces long distance runners, or studying decolonization, use lessons from the past to shape the future.
Take the first-year introductory course then, in upper years, you’ll set your focus on what you’re most curious about: archeological, biological, or socio-cultural anthropology.
Learn data gathering techniques and apply them to field work on real architectural sites. Study abroad, explore a different culture, and get experience at museums or in the field! Or take the co-op stream and earn while you learn.
With your broad understanding of the world’s people and cultures, you’ll graduate with a range of career options: market research, cultural resource management, forensic anthropology, international development, and much more.
What courses will you take in Anthropology?
First-year courses
As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.
You will also take an Arts First course in either the fall or winter term of your first year. Instead of going to a lecture hall, you and your classmates will work together to respond to an intriguing challenge. With only 25 students in this course, you might address topics such as The Science of Happiness, Are We Erasing History?, Games and Culture, and Writing About Poems and Songs.
You can choose to study Anthropology through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
Honours Arts
Honours Arts and Business
September to December
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
40% of the classes you’ll take will be Anthropology courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo or fulfil additional requirements for your chosen entry program.
Customize your degree
You can also include one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Popular areas of focus for Anthropology students include French; History; and Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Pick from 40+ courses. Choose from more than 40 Anthropology courses, including seminars, field courses, and independent research courses.
Conduct hands-on fieldwork. In upper years, put data-gathering techniques into action by participating in field work on archaeological sites.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- Archaeological field technician
- Student historical teacher/interpreter
- Marketing intern
- Human resources co-op
- Lab assistant
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
If you choose to study Anthropology through Arts and Business, your first work term will be halfway through second year (January - April 2027).
Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
---|---|---|---|
First | Study | Study | Off |
Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
Fifth | Study | Study | - |
or after second year (May to August 2027) if you choose to study Anthropology through Honours Arts.
Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
---|---|---|---|
First | Study | Study | Off |
Second | Study | Study | Co-op |
Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
What can you do with a degree in Anthropology?
Waterloo Anthropology graduates typically pursue careers in research, forensic anthropology, and more. They often work in research laboratories, non-profit organizations, museums, and government departments.
Recent graduates
- Field Archaeologist — Archaeological Services
- Technical Specialist — Edward Jones Investments
- Collections Manager — Sharon Temple National Historic Site Museum
- Scientific Officer — Australian Museum
- Transit Planner — City of Mississauga
- Supervising Agent — AIL Traboulay Agency
Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.
Tuition fees for programs in the Faculty of Arts
First-year tuition
Type of fees | Tuition (8 months of school) |
---|---|
Domestic (Ontario residents) | $9,000 |
Domestic (Out of province students) | $9,000 |
International (visa students) | $57,000 |
- Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
- Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.
Admissions
Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Anthropology as your major at the end of first year.
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
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Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?
Please contact Stavros Stavroulias, our Faculty of Arts recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.