Anthropology, B.A.

The anthropology major at Saint Louis University explores the study of humans. The anthropological endeavor involves both the sociocultural and biological aspects of humankind. The study of anthropology requires a holistic approach; it is comprehensive, inclusive and integrates information from many areas of study through ethnographic, biological, cross-cultural, archaeological and sociological inquiries.

An anthropological perspective — including an examination of the similarities and differences among human groups, cultures and societies both locally and worldwide — emphasizes the concepts of cultural relativism, multicultural perspectives and globalization processes that are vital to many areas of study at SLU.

By participating in anthropology courses in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, students will be further prepared to successfully function in an interconnected world. The major and minor degrees in anthropology complement any other major at the University.

The anthropology program also supports an active Anthropology Club and houses the Eta Chapter of Lambda Alpha, the national anthropology honor society. Both organizations engage in outreach programs at SLU and within the greater St. Louis community.

Curriculum Overview

Key program components include a rigorous social science curriculum focused on the subfields of cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology; lab courses that provide a hands-on learning dimension; practical applied experiences through fieldwork opportunities and independent research projects; and connections made with the larger community via internships, study abroad opportunities and a senior capstone project.

Students choose an emphasis in one of the following subfields of anthropology:

• Cultural/social anthropology: the study of human cultures in the present or recent past
• Physical/biological anthropology: the study of humans from a biological and evolutionary perspective
• Archeology: the study of the ancient and recent human past through excavation, analysis and interpretation of material remains

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Fieldwork takes place within and outside the U.S. This allows students to experience other cultures in a unique, firsthand way and gain a greater appreciation for cultures different from their own. Faculty are pleased to offer SLU students dynamic courses and fieldwork opportunities in the upcoming months and years that will enrich their classroom learning and lives.

The Archeology Lab provides an excellent workspace for students to explore and contribute to the science of archeology. Each semester, the lab provides hands-on opportunities for students to explore prehistoric and historic lithics, ceramics and other materials and to develop student-initiated research projects.

Careers

SLU's anthropology graduates are prepared to function in an interconnected world. The major and minor degrees in anthropology complement any other major. Alumni of the anthropology program have the following careers:

• Nonprofit and government sectors
• Social science research
• Public policy and community development
• Legal and health professions
• Market research

Admission Requirements

Begin Your Application

Saint Louis University also accepts the Common Application and the Coalition Application.

Freshman

All applications are thoroughly reviewed with the highest degree of individual care and consideration to all credentials that are submitted. Solid academic performance in college preparatory coursework is a primary concern in reviewing a freshman applicant’s file.

To be considered for admission to any Saint Louis University undergraduate program, applicants must be graduating from an accredited high school, have an acceptable HiSET exam score or take the General Education Development (GED) test. 

Transfer

Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited high school or have an acceptable score on the GED or HiSET.

Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must follow the above freshmen admission requirements. Students who have completed 24 or more semester credits (or 30 quarter credits) of college credit must submit transcripts from all previously attended college(s).

In reviewing a transfer applicant’s file, the Office of Admission holistically examines the student’s academic performance in college-level coursework as an indicator of the student’s ability to meet the academic rigors of Saint Louis University. Where applicable, transfer students will be evaluated on any courses outlined in the continuation standards of their preferred major.

International Applicants

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• All academic records must include an English translation. An official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required and accepted.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided through grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

Saint Louis University makes every effort to keep our education affordable. In fiscal year 2025, 99.6% of first-time freshmen and 92% of all students received financial aid and students received more than $517 million in aid University-wide.

For priority consideration for merit-based scholarships, apply for admission by Dec. 1 and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Feb. 1.

For more information on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

1. Graduates will demonstrate a broad knowledge base in the subfield of biological anthropology.
   1. Understand the complexity of the hominid fossil record, and be able to discuss important "milestones" in hominid evolution, as well as understand where recent fossil finds fit into the "family tree."
   2. Articulate how biological anthropology bridges and incorporates both the social sciences (e.g., anthropology) and the life sciences (e.g., biology), especially in terms of methodology and theory.
   3. Assess the diversity of nonhuman primates by examining behavior, ecology and evolution.
   4. Explain the relationship between evolutionary forces, the environment, and culture in modern human populations.
2. Graduates will demonstrate a broad knowledge base in the subfield of archaeological anthropology.
   1. Assess the nature of the practice of archaeology as a science, including inductive and deductive reasoning, the scientific method, and research design.
   2. Explain the role of the environment in the development of human cultures.
   3. Demonstrate how archaeologists act as anthropologists when studying human cultures and cultural change.
   4. Distinguish the ways archaeologists can detect cultural change in the archaeological record.
3. Graduates will demonstrate a broad knowledge base in the subfield of cultural anthropology.
   1. Demonstrate familiarity with the anthropological concept of culture.
   2. Apply comparative, holistic and culturally relativist perspectives to the study of human societies.
   3. Discuss similarities and differences across and within human cultures/societies, including across time.
4. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of anthropological theories.
   1. Identify core theories, research and concepts in anthropological thought across the subfields.
   2. Explain multiple ways in which power, hierarchy and identity shape social interactions and outcomes.
   3. Recognize that ideas, theories and methods were shaped and changed over time in particular historical contexts.
   4. Demonstrate knowledge of historical works of theory by anthropologists of diverse backgrounds.
5. Graduates will understand and be able to apply methods used in the discipline and communicate their findings effectively.
   1. Demonstrate familiarity with the collection, analysis, and strengths and limitations of quantitative and/or qualitative data related to human behavior and culture.
   2. Use anthropological methods — such as participant-observation, open-ended interview, lab analysis, and excavation — to conduct hands-on research in an ethical fashion.
   3. Locate, critically assess and work with textual sources in the library and on the internet.
   4. Formulate well-organized and convincing written and/or oral arguments supported by evidence.

Anthropology students must complete a minimum total of 30 credits for the major.

Continuation Standards

Students who major in anthropology must maintain a 2.00 GPA in courses for the anthropology major.

This roadmap is just one example of a semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. There are other plans students can and do take. The plan of study for each particular student is established in consultation with each student’s academic advisor; this roadmap does not replace academic advising appointments.

Roadmap notes:

• This Roadmap assumes full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
• Courses/Milestones marked with an “!” are critical and must be completed in the semester listed in the Roadmap to ensure a timely graduation.
• Course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

2+SLU programs provide a guided pathway for students transferring from a partner institution. 

Anthropology, B.A. (STLCC 2+SLU)

For additional information about this program, please contact soc-anth@slu.edu or call 314-977-2900.