Anthropology - Biological Anthropology
The Anthropology: Biological Anthropology Bachelor of Arts program at Pennsylvania University is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human evolution, biological diversity, and the interplay between biology and culture. The curriculum integrates evolutionary biology, genetics, primatology, human osteology, and research methodology, enabling students to study human adaptation, health, and variation across populations. Students engage in laboratory work, field studies, and independent research, developing the analytical and practical skills necessary to examine the biological and cultural aspects of humanity.
Throughout the program, students participate in seminars, hands-on research, and collaborative projects guided by faculty experts in biological anthropology, archaeology, and evolutionary science. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research proficiency, and interdisciplinary analysis, allowing graduates to explore questions related to human biology, behavior, and evolutionary processes. Students leave the program with research competence, analytical skills, scientific literacy, and critical reasoning, fully prepared for careers or advanced study in anthropology, biology, health sciences, or related fields.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Anthropology - Biological Anthropology
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Anthropology
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Biological Anthropology
- Introduction to Biological Anthropology
- Principles of Evolutionary Biology
- Human Anatomy and Osteology
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
Year 2 – Intermediate Study in Human Biology
- Genetics and Human Variation
- Primatology and Comparative Anatomy
- Human Adaptation and Ecology
- Statistical Methods for Anthropological Research
Year 3 – Advanced Biological Anthropology
- Paleoanthropology and Fossil Analysis
- Applied Fieldwork and Laboratory Research
- Electives: Human Health, Forensic Anthropology, or Bioarchaeology
- Collaborative Research Projects
Year 4 – Capstone and Professional Integration
- Senior Thesis or Independent Research Project
- Seminar in Contemporary Biological Anthropology
- Professional Portfolio Development
- Field Experience or Applied Laboratory Research
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Biological Anthropology program are prepared for careers in research and academia, public health, forensic science, museum and cultural institutions, and environmental and evolutionary studies. Alumni may work as biological researchers, forensic anthropologists, health analysts, or pursue graduate studies in anthropology, medicine, or biological sciences. The program equips graduates to analyze human evolution, conduct research on biological and cultural variation, and apply interdisciplinary methods to real-world questions. With strong research, analytical, and technical skills, graduates are highly competitive in professional and academic environments that require expertise in human biology and evolutionary studies.
Why Choose This Program
This program is distinguished by its integration of human evolution, biological research, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary analysis within a four-year curriculum. Students benefit from mentorship, hands-on laboratory and field experiences, and opportunities to conduct independent and collaborative research that connects biological and cultural perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and applied problem-solving, preparing graduates to contribute to research, health studies, and academic inquiry. For students passionate about understanding human evolution, biological diversity, and the interactions between biology and culture, this program offers a rigorous, immersive, and career-focused pathway to professional and academic success.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
