Anthropology degree | Undergraduate Programs

Digging into what makes us human

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 ready for a range of careers in Anthropology: cultural resource management, forensic anthropology, international development, market research, 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 can choose to study Anthropology through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Honours Arts

September to December

One of:
- ANTH 100 – Introduction to Anthropology
- ANTH 201 – Introduction to Archeology
- ANTH 204 – Biological Anthropology
ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
Prospective major #2
Two electives

January to April

One of:
- ANTH 201 – Introduction to Archeology
- ANTH 202 – Social and Cultural Anthropology
- ANTH 204 – Biological Anthropology
Prospective major #2
Three electives

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

Honours Arts and Business

September to December

ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
One of:
- ANTH 100 – Introduction to Anthropology
- ANTH 201 – Introduction to Archeology
- ANTH 204 – Biological Anthropology
Prospective major #2
Elective

January to April

ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
ANTH 201, ANTH 202, or ANTH 204
Prospective major #2

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.

Sample upper-year courses

ANTH 292 – Skeletons: Sex, Disease, and Death
ANTH 303 – Anthropology of Digital Media
ANTH 355 – Human Osteology
ANTH 455 – Skeletal Biology and Forensics

Customize your degree in Anthropology

You'll take both theoretical and practical courses in all three of the program's sub-fields.

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 Sexualities, Relationships, and Families.

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.

Option one: If you choose to study Anthropology through Arts and Business, your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

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	-

Option two: If you choose to study Anthropology through Honours Arts, your first work term will be in the spring term after second year.

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	-

Learn more about co-op →

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.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Cultural anthropologist

You would study how people live, work, and make meaning in different cultures around the world. This often involves fieldwork, interviews, and writing, and many cultural anthropologists work in research, consulting, or with international organizations.

Museum curator or collections assistant

You’d help preserve and interpret artifacts for the public, deciding how objects are stored or displayed. This career combines storytelling, history, and education, and often involves collaboration with researchers and educators.

Archaeologist

If you’re fascinated by the past, you’ll study physical remains like tools, buildings, and bones to learn how earlier societies lived. You might work on excavation sites, in museums, or with governments to protect historical sites.

Environmental or heritage consultant

You’d assess how development projects affect communities or culturally significant sites. This career combines anthropology with environmental awareness and often involves working with governments or private firms.

Market research analyst

You’d study consumer behavior to help companies understand what people want and why. Anthropology teaches you how to analyze patterns and motivations, which is especially useful for designing surveys or conducting interviews.

User experience (UX) researcher

In this role, you’d observe how people use technology like apps or websites and suggest improvements. You’d ask questions, run tests, and make sure products are designed with real human needs in mind.

Policy analyst

You’d research social issues like housing, healthcare, or immigration and help governments or organizations make informed decisions. Your training helps you see how policies affect different communities in real-life ways.

Nonprofit program coordinator

You’d help plan and run programs that serve communities, such as youth initiatives or cultural preservation projects. This role involves organization, communication, and understanding community needs.

Forensic anthropologist

You’d apply knowledge of the human body to help identify remains, often assisting law enforcement. While this path usually requires graduate study, it’s a powerful example of anthropology applied to real-world problems.

Community outreach coordinator

You’d act as a bridge between organizations and the communities they serve. By listening carefully and building trust, you’d help ensure programs are respectful, effective, and inclusive.

Academic researcher or professor

If you enjoy studying and teaching, you could continue into graduate school and conduct original research. You’d write, teach university students, and contribute new knowledge about human societies.

Immigration or settlement services worker

You’d help newcomers adjust to life in a new country by connecting them to resources and support. Your cultural sensitivity and communication skills are especially valuable in this people-centered work.

What can you do with an anthropology degree? →