BA in Anthropology—Specialization in Biological Anthropology at Boston University

Programme overview

The BA in Anthropology—Specialization in Biological Anthropology takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of biological and behavioral diversity in modern humans and their closest living relatives, including non-human primates and extinct human ancestors.

Faculty: College of Arts & Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

A total of 13 courses, or 52 units, are required to complete the Biological Anthropology Specialization. All courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor. All required courses listed below are each 4 unit hours.

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Application information

Entry requirements

CAS AN 101 Introduction to Sociocultural Anthropology or CAS AN 103 Anthropology Through Ethnography (only one of these two courses may be taken for units in the major) CAS AN 102 Human Biology, Behavior, and Evolution Four principal courses are required, one from each of the following areas:

USD 73,024 a year (2026-27). Full-time undergraduate tuition for 2026/2027, stated as the standard University undergraduate tuition rate; also listed as full-time tuition $73,024 per year on the Student Financials rate page. Tuition only: excludes fees, housing, dining, books and hea Source

First-year entry is September (Fall); Early Decision is binding for September admission. Transfer entry is September or January, and some programmes do not offer January admission.

First-year Regular Decision application and CSS Profile/FAFSA are due January 5; merit scholarship applications are due December 1; the enrollment deposit is due May 1. Early Decision applications are due November 2 (notification December 14); Early Decision 2 applications are due January 5 (notification February 8). Transfer applications are due March 15 for September and November 2 for January.

Apply through the Common Application or the QuestBridge Application. The application fee is $80, paid through the Common Application (fee waivers available). BU is test optional for first-year applicants applying through fall 2028 and spring 2029; international applicants submit TOEFL iBT, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test. SAT/ACT is not required for transfer admission.

Apply through the official page: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/

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