Anthropology (BA) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The BA in Anthropology gives students tools for understanding human social and cultural complexity and prepares them for careers in global health and medicine, museums, law, government, environmental management, entrepreneurship, international business, education and the arts.

Duration: 10 Anthropology courses (40 units) in the major | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Majors take 10 courses (40 units) in Anthropology and may pursue a focus of at least three courses (12 units) in areas such as Medical Anthropology, Heritage Studies and Archaeology, Environmental Anthropology or Media Anthropology.

Career pathways

Careers in global health and medicine, museums, law, government, environmental management, entrepreneurship and international business, education and the arts.

Official programme page

Application information

USD 75,384 a year (2026-27). Estimated undergraduate tuition for two semesters (12-18 units per semester), the USC rate for full-time undergraduates; excludes fees ($1,952), housing, food, books and the $450 new student fee. The same tuition applies to in-state and out-of-state resid Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; applicants can apply Early Decision (binding), Early Action or Regular Decision.

First-year deadlines for 2027 entry: Early Decision (most majors) November 1; Early Action (most majors) November 1; Regular Decision for performing arts majors (Dance, Dramatic Arts, Thornton Music) December 1; Regular Decision for most majors January 10. Early Decision applicants are notified by mid-December, Early Action in late January and Regular Decision by April 1.

Applications are made through the Common Application; the undergraduate application fee is $85 for all applicants, with fee waivers available except to international students. SAT/ACT scores are optional (test-optional); USC school code is SAT 4852 and ACT 0470.

Transfer applications for 2027-28: December 1, 2026 for selected programmes and February 15, 2027 for all other majors; SAT/ACT scores are not required for transfer applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.usc.edu/

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