Anthropology (Bachelor of Arts)

Anthropology (Bachelor of Arts)

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Why choose Anthropology?

Social and Cultural Anthropologists ask questions such as: How does culture impact business transactions? Can society benefit from organized violence? Do all cultures experience disease the same way?

Social and cultural Anthropology is the comparative study of different societies and cultures around the world. The program adopts a cross-cultural perspective and provides insights into how people actually live their lives and how they negotiate the challenges created by globalization. It has links with race, gender, religion and more.

The BA in Social and Cultural Anthropology allows you to explore other cultures by taking a comparative approach to the ways people order their lives, and structure and give meaning to their experiences through gender, class, race, ethnicity, kinship, religion, language and so on. It also provides insights into your own culture. You will also gain valuable research and communication skills while deepening your understanding of diverse worldviews.

Work-integrated learning

Cultural resource management companies often recruit students in anthropology for summer positions. Employers affiliated with the CO-OP program also value the experience of our undergraduates.

Career opportunities

Your understanding of other societies and cultures, and your strong research and communication skills, opens a host of career opportunities for graduates with a BA in social and cultural anthropology, such as public relations manager, social services director, business consultant, policy analyst, and researcher in social issues and cultures.

A degree in Anthropology can also be used as a stepping-stone to graduate studies or another professional degree such as law, medicine, veterinary medicine, or education.

Program highlights

  • Co-operative work placement - Gain valuable full-time paid work experience that alternates with your academic studies.

Courses in this program

Example include Contemporary Indigenous issues in Canada; Magic, Witchcraft and Gods, Anthropology of Religion and Medical Anthropology.

Internationalize your degree

Take your learning off campus by exploring one of our 200+ international opportunities. For example, in Actuarial Science, you can go on Exchange to the University of Hong Kong. We encourage you to check out UCalgary’s selection of programs

Enhance your experience

Find your People! The Kula Ring is the undergraduate society for anthropology students representing socio cultural, biological, and primatology students. The club connects students and faculty through various events, which are great places to meet new people and network with professionals.

Detailed course information


​My experiences give me a unique insight into the value of anthropology and allow me to connect with students. I'm a big believer in experiential learning. My goal is to have students think anthropologically, that means to see things holistically, understand other peoples' perspectives and think reflexively about the cultural influences on their own thinking and behaviour.

Christopher Holdsworth

PhD — Senior instructor, gaming consultant and professional poker player


Admission requirements
I am currently a(n):
Required courses for admission
Additional admission details
Intake and application dates
Curriculum (education system)
Estimated competitive admission average
Description
Button
Approved courses and options
Approved courses and options notes

Use the Undergraduate Student Cost Estimator to calculate your expenses as a first-year student. Undergraduate Student Cost Estimator

See the best of UCalgary

Why you should choose UCalgary

Check out our student experience page to find out more about what life is like on campus or consider visiting campus for a tour led by one of our current students.

Learn about the student experience

More ways to get in touch

Ready to find out what campus is really like? Book a tour, join us at an event, or sign up for more information.


Join us for a future student event

Check our calendar to find out when we'll be in your area, or register for one of our upcoming online events.

Check events

Sign up for more information

Sign up for more information about UCalgary, receive important details and reminders, and find out when UCalgary is visiting your area.

Get more information

See the campus

Guided by a current student, you'll explore our classrooms, residences, athletic facilities, and more.

Book a tour

Contact us and get help

Need assistance? Learn how to get ahold of us and find answers to your questions.

Contact and help


Ready to take the next step?

Faculty of Arts

Faculty of Arts

Arts Students' Centre, Social Sciences Building, Room 102
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4

403.220.3580