The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at Rice University offers students a comprehensive and critical exploration of human societies, cultures, and histories, both past and present. This interdisciplinary program integrates perspectives from social science, humanities, and natural science to examine how people live, think, and interact across time and place. Students engage with core areas of the discipline—cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology—while also exploring specialized topics such as identity, migration, religion, environment, and globalization.
Spanning four years of full-time, on-campus study, the program emphasizes both theoretical inquiry and experiential learning. Students are encouraged to participate in ethnographic research, fieldwork, or community-based projects, and to critically reflect on cultural assumptions and global interconnections. With flexible electives and cross-disciplinary integration, the program allows students to tailor their studies toward interests in public health, international development, education, or media. Through close faculty mentorship and engagement with real-world questions, anthropology students build a nuanced and socially informed perspective on what it means to be human.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Anthropology
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 04 January 2026
- Location: Rice University, United States
- Field of Study: Anthropology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Anthropological Inquiry
- Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- Human Origins and Biological Anthropology
- World Archaeology
- Critical Thinking in the Social Sciences
Year 2 – Theories, Methods, and Perspectives
- Anthropological Theory
- Ethnographic Methods and Field Techniques
- Language and Culture
- Elective: Anthropology of Religion or Food and Culture
Year 3 – Thematic and Regional Studies
- Political and Economic Anthropology
- Globalization and Transnationalism
- Elective: Latin American Anthropology, Medical Anthropology, or Environmental Anthropology
- Anthropology and Visual Culture
Year 4 – Integration, Ethics, and Research
- Senior Seminar in Anthropological Thought
- Capstone Research Project or Honors Thesis
- Ethics in Anthropological Practice
- Elective: Urban Anthropology or Migration and Displacement
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Anthropology BA program at Rice University are well-equipped to pursue careers that require cultural insight, analytical thinking, and qualitative research skills. Many find roles in nonprofit organizations, community outreach, cultural resource management, or public policy, especially in fields addressing diversity, social justice, or global development. Others work in museums, education, media, or market research, applying anthropological methods to understand audience behavior and cultural trends. The program also serves as a strong foundation for graduate study in anthropology, law, public health, urban planning, or international relations, with students often continuing on to research, advocacy, or professional service roles. In today’s interconnected world, anthropology graduates are uniquely prepared to interpret complex social dynamics, engage across cultures, and contribute to ethical, community-centered solutions in both local and global contexts.
Why Choose This Program
The Anthropology program at Rice University offers a critical, immersive, and globally relevant education that prepares students to think deeply and act thoughtfully in an increasingly complex world. Through direct engagement with diverse cultures, historical contexts, and contemporary social issues, students gain the tools to ask meaningful questions and challenge assumptions. Faculty members are active researchers with expertise in areas ranging from migration to medicine, and students benefit from small seminar-style courses, personalized advising, and hands-on research opportunities. The program’s flexibility also supports interdisciplinary exploration, empowering students to connect anthropology with fields like environmental studies, digital humanities, or global health. Located in Houston—one of the most diverse cities in the U.S.—Rice offers students rich cultural experiences and access to research institutions, community partnerships, and international networks. This program is ideal for students who seek to understand human diversity, advocate for equity, and apply knowledge with empathy and critical awareness.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 713-348-7423
Email: admission@rice.edu
Address: Office of Admission – MS 17, 109 Lovett Hall, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, United States
