Anthropology

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Options available

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts & Science
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws
  • Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Management

Campus

  • Lethbridge

Intake

Fall & Spring

Program description

Anthropology studies the diversity of human life in every part of the world. Long-term ethnographic fieldwork is the hallmark of the anthropological approach to studying the human condition and allows you to see how your world fits into a larger context.

Contemporary anthropology examines the material, social, and cultural conditions of human behaviour and life from a “locally global” perspective.

Anthropology will expose you to a variety of different cultures. At the same time, you will learn to examine your own life from an anthropological perspective. You will learn how to explore and understand radically different contexts in both your own and other cultures.

Two elements distinguish anthropology: an intensely comparative, wide-ranging view of human society and culture, and a strong desire to know how individuals in specific cultures make sense of the world and respond to its challenges.

Anthropologists are committed to understanding common aspects of human social life, despite apparent differences. They typically spend long periods of time doing field research where they interact with people in their environment to gain cultural understanding.

Minors | Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to explore academic interests beyond your major. A minor is a set of courses comprising a secondary focus of interest generally not related to your major. A minor may be required or optional.

Honours thesis | If your GPA is high enough in your fourth year, you can opt to complete an undergraduate thesis course. This is an excellent opportunity for you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree.

Experience learning | Our students have a number of experiential learning opportunities available to them including co-operative education, international exchanges, independent and applied studies as well as volunteer opportunities. uLethbridge is the only university in Alberta to offer co-operative education to all majors in the arts and sciences, at both the undergrad and grad level. Transfer students can actually head out on their first work term before ever stepping foot on campus! For example, many transfer students complete a summer work term before starting classes in September.

Skills acquired | Studying anthropology helps you develop the analytical skills critical to succeeding in teaching, research, advocacy, business, policy analysis, public service and programming. It provides you with the ability to analyze a wide range of social and cultural situations. You will also develop your written and oral communication skills and work both independently and within a group setting.


 

Possible careers

Related fields | Many anthropology graduates will cross over into another field, applying their knowledge to a wide range of institutional and cross-cultural situations. This knowledge often helps assess and rectify social issues and problems in areas such as:

  • Public Health
  • Education
  • Urban Planning
  • Social Welfare
  • Government Planning
  • Immigration
  • Museum Management
  • International Development
  • First Nations Planning & Development

Professional disciplines & graduate studies | Your undergraduate degree in anthropology also provides an excellent foundation for law, management and education. The University of Lethbridge’s School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs, at the master and doctoral levels, spanning over 60 disciplines — so why not consider pursuing grad school right here in Lethbridge! Whether you choose to do your advanced studies at uLethbridge or another institution, know that your undergraduate degree has set you on the path to post-graduate success.

Admission requirements

General-ALL-ALL

​For admission, Canadian high school students in Alberta must have completed five of the following courses with a minimum 65% average across them:

This course
  • English Language Arts 30-1
Three of these courses
  • Aboriginal Studies 30
  • Art 30 or Art 31
  • Biology 30
  • Chemistry 30
  • Choral Music 30, General Music 30, or Instrumental Music 30
  • Dance 35
  • Drama 30
  • Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2
  • Mathematics 31
  • Physics 30
  • Science 30
  • Social Studies 30-1
  • Five credits in Advanced-level CTS Computer Science (CSE)
  • One or more distinct languages at the 30 level
One additional
  • That has not already been used
  • May be from the list above
  • Must be at the 30 level
  • Must be worth at least five credits (multiple courses worth a total of five or more credits can be used)
  • Cannot be a Special Project

 

First year cost estimator

For Anthropology

Let us help you understand your tuition and fees for your first year at the University of Lethbridge.

Studying anthropology at uLethbridge has exposed me to entirely new ways of thinking about and being in the world. I've not only learned about the cultural and physical histories of humanity, but also about how these histories shape us today, and how we can use that knowledge to create a better tomorrow. Each professor brings expertise in their field, and is also excited to help you pursue your passions and interests.
- Mikey (BA '20 Co-op) Anthropology

Sample classes

Anthropology Courses. With a major in Anthropology, you’ll have the opportunity to concentrate on your field of study through specialized courses on particular topics and by taking Independent and Applied Study courses tailored to your interests. Courses selections for the program will vary, but may include:

  • The Anthropology of Popular Culture
  • Cultures of the World (Series)
  • Language, Culture, & Communication
  • Race & Ethnicity
  • Ancient Societies
  • Urban Anthropology
  • Anthropology of Gender