Bachelor of Arts (BA), International Bachelor of Arts (iBA)
Our undergraduate program invites you to think deeply about what it means to live in an interconnected, unequal and rapidly changing world. Our approach begins with the premise that human actions are always embedded in systems of meaning, shaped by reflection, intention and interpretation. Through this lens, our courses examine how social, political, cultural and material forces shape everyday life—across time, place and experience.
As an anthropology student at York, you’ll develop a strong foundation in critical thinking, qualitative research, cultural analysis and communication—skills that are essential for navigating today’s complex global landscape. You’ll examine how people experience and contest the forces that shape our world—such as colonialism, capitalism, migration, media, science and environmental change—and learn to analyze the production of difference across lines of race, class, gender, sexuality and ethnicity.
Topics you might explore include archaeology and cultural heritage, development and the environment, health and illness, gender and sexuality, media and digital technology, religion and science, and displacement and belonging. Across all areas, our goal is to help you ask thoughtful, generative questions about human life—and to prepare you for a future of engaged inquiry, wherever it takes you.
Are you a future student?
OUAC Code: YRB
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Study Abroad Opportunities
Spend a summer abroad as you explore diverse city life in Lisbon, Portugal in our Anthropology Through the Visual course or travel to Vancouver, British Columbia to critically examine Canada’s journey From Settler Colonialism to Multiculturalism.
Community-based experiential education
Third and fourth-year students have the opportunity to register for The Professional Anthropologist Work-Student Placement which is a year-long course providing experiential learning and community-engaged research with a range of host organizations.
Career Possibilities
Graduates of our program go on to pursue meaningful careers in fields such as education, health, policy, law, advocacy, journalism, archaeology, international development, finance and cultural heritage—as well as advanced academic study in the social sciences and beyond.
What you’ll learn
- Study humanity in all its complexity, using field-based research methods.
- Learn to think critically about how concepts such as class, race, gender and ethnicity are produced and expressed.
- Explore the growing field of archaeology, medical anthropology and global health.
- Apply an anthropological lens to science, technology and ecology.
Hands-on experiences
- Many of our courses have learning opportunities outside the classroom, including research opportunities across the globe.
- In addition to theoretical studies, you will also gain practical research skills that help you analyze major social, cultural, political and economic events.
QS University Rankings
In the 2025 Quacquerelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings by Subject report, Anthropology tied for #4 in Canada.
Throughout my time in the Anthropology program I constantly found new and interesting topics which inspired a thirst to keep learning more in my field. Anthropology has allowed to me to understand what it means to be a critical thinker, and this is an asset I can use to help achieve my future goals.
— Qasim Agha Abbas
Alumna, Honours Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
Interested in this program?
As a future student if you fill out this form you will be entered into a draw for a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 YU Bookstore gift cards. See full contest details.
Questions?
Contact the Undergrad Program Director at updanth@yorku.ca.