Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology
The BA in Anthropology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers students a comprehensive understanding of human diversity, past and present, through the study of biology, culture, behavior, and society. By exploring archaeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology, students gain a holistic and comparative perspective on human experiences across time and space. The program equips graduates with the analytical and cultural competency skills needed to thrive in a globalized, multicultural world, preparing them for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.
Program Details
Required credit hours: 37
Required courses:
- ANTH 152: Culture and Humanity
- ANTH 210: Archaeology
- ANTH 215 & ANTH 215L: Introduction to Biological Anthropology (offered spring semesters only)
- ANTH 300: Contemporary Social Issues (take junior year, offered fall semesters only)
- ANTH 490: History of Anthropology (take senior year, offered fall semesters only)
- Seven (7) 300 and/or 400-level anthropology courses (21 upper division credits) *
Courses must be completed with a grade of C (not C-) or better and cannot be used to fulfill any additional major, minor or certificate requirements.
*Anthropology majors may petition the anthropology advisor to count a maximum of two (2) courses at the 300 or higher level from other departments to count towards the upper division elective requirement. These courses should be related to anthropology and “fit” within the student’s program of study. Approved courses cannot be used to fulfill additional major, minor or certificate requirements. Students must submit an online petition form for each course requested. To ensure the course(s) will count, please seek approval prior to registration.
Required credit hours: 37
Required courses:
- ANTH 152: Culture and Humanity
- ANTH 210: Archaeology
- ANTH 215 & ANTH 215L: Introduction to Biological Anthropology (offered spring semesters only)
- ANTH 490: History of Anthropology (take senior year, offered fall semesters only)
- Eight (8) 300 and/or 400-level anthropology courses (24 upper division credits) *
Courses must be completed with a grade of C (not C-) or better and cannot be used to fulfill any additional major, minor or certificate requirements.
*Anthropology majors may petition the anthropology undergraduate advisor to count a maximum of two (2) courses at the 300 or higher level from other departments to count towards the upper division elective requirement. These courses should be related to anthropology and “fit” within the student’s program of study. Approved courses cannot be used to fulfill additional major, minor or certificate requirements. Students must submit an online petition form for each course requested. To ensure the course(s) will count, please seek approval prior to registration.
- Learn to think anthropologically, specifically to include cross-cultural perspectives, especially in regard to issues of diversity and commonality in understanding human societies.
- Gain a basic understanding of the origin and development of humanity.
- Develop the ability to think critically about cultural assumptions and use active learning modes in assessing their effects on social processes.
- Acquire a holistic understanding of how biological evolution and cultural histories interact.
- Understand how populations adapt to social and environmental change, especially in terms of human empowerment.
- Become culturally literate with regard to the physical and cultural dimensions of the Pacific and Asian regions, including historical movements and connections among diverse populations.
- Learn various methods employed by anthropologists from a variety of sub-disciplines and specializations.
View the BA Rubric.
Next Steps
Interested in learning more about the BA in Anthropology or have questions about program requirements? Please schedule a meeting with the Anthropology Major Advisor.
Learn more about Anthropology Undergraduate Advising.