Overview

The Anthropology B.A. at University of California, Santa Cruz offers students a rigorous academic foundation in the study of human meaning, creativity, and physical development. This programme encourages learners to explore the complex relationships between nature and culture while addressing the ethical dilemmas of studying diverse societies. By integrating multiple subfields, the curriculum prepares graduates to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with critical analytical skills.

Why Anthropology at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The department provides a unique integrative approach that combines anthropological archaeology, cultural anthropology, and biological anthropology. Students benefit from extensive experiential learning opportunities through dedicated research labs and field study programmes across all three subfields. The curriculum is distinguished by its breadth, covering diverse topics such as ancient DNA, primate behaviour, and contemporary cultural movements. Furthermore, the institution supports interdisciplinary interests through combined majors, such as the partnership with Earth and Planetary Sciences for laboratory-based research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a broad understanding of human history and behaviour. Students engage with regional specialisations and various methodological approaches. Modules may include:

Biological Anthropology
Cultural Anthropology
Archaeology
Primate Behaviour
Ancient DNA
Sociocultural Anthropology
Environmental Anthropology
Medical Anthropology
Research Methods

Careers with Anthropology

Graduates from this programme are equipped with versatile skills in communication, writing, and cultural analysis that are highly valued across numerous sectors. Many alumni pursue professional roles in city planning, cultural resource management, and environmental consulting. The degree also serves as a foundation for careers in journalism, marketing, public health, and social work. For those interested in legal or medical professions, the analytical training provides an excellent background for further study. Additionally, students often find employment in museums, civil service, and community development organisations, or continue to advanced graduate research.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Human Variation and Adaptation

California Pasts

The Hands That Feed Us: Labor in Food

Motherhood in American Culture

Native American Women

Archaeology of Expression

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-07-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Anthropology View 660 other Bachelors in Anthropology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Anthropology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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