Overview

The Anthropology programme at Columbia University provides students with a rigorous foundation in the study of human societies, material cultures, and evolutionary histories. This undergraduate major encourages an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of global interconnectedness and socio-political structures. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances historical perspectives with contemporary critical theory.

Why Anthropology at Columbia University?

As the first department of its kind in the United States, founded by Franz Boas, the institution maintains a legacy of intellectual independence and pioneering research. Students have access to world-class faculty who are experts in colonialism, gender studies, and transnationalism. The department’s location in New York City offers unique opportunities for museum internships and urban ethnographic research. Furthermore, the programme fosters a markedly interdisciplinary spirit, allowing students to bridge their studies with fields such as law, human rights, and environmental science.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide both breadth and depth across sociocultural and archaeological subfields. Modules may include:

Interpretation of Culture
Sociocultural Theory
Ethnographic Imagination
Origins of Human Society
Language & Culture
Archaeology
Corpse Life: History of the Dead
Anthropological Theory
Native America

Careers with Anthropology

Graduates from this programme are equipped with analytical and cross-cultural skills applicable to a wide range of professional sectors. Many alumni pursue careers in international development, public policy, and social advocacy. The degree also provides a strong foundation for roles in museum curation, heritage management, and archaeological consultancy. Additionally, the programme prepares students for advanced graduate study in the social sciences, law, medicine, and journalism, with many entering industries that value deep insights into human behaviour and cultural dynamics.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mafias and Other Dangerous Affiliations

Anthropological Theory

Living with Animals: Anthropological Perspective

Body and Society

Indigenous Place-Thought

The Ancient Table: Archaeology of Cooking and Cuisine

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

124 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Anthropology View 658 other Bachelors in Anthropology in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

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

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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