Anthropology at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Whether you’re interested in examining relics, learning how evolution produces long-distance runners, or studying decolonization, use lessons from the past to shape the future. Take the first-year introductory course then, in upper years, you’ll set your focus on what you’re most curious about: archeological, biological, or socio-cultural anthropology. Learn data gathering techniques and apply them to field work on real architectural sites. Available in the regular system of study or the co-op system.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Study mode: full-time | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

40% of the classes you’ll take will be Anthropology courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo or fulfil additional requirements for your chosen entry program. Sample upper-year courses include Skeletons: Sex, Disease, and Death, Anthropology of Digital Media, Human Osteology, Skeletal Biology and Forensics.

Career pathways

Waterloo Anthropology graduates typically pursue careers in research, forensic anthropology, and more. They often work in research laboratories, non-profit organizations, museums, and government departments.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario applicants: Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%); Admission average: High 70s (co-op and regular); Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business. How to apply: Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Anthropology as your major at the end of first year.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to December), winter (January to April), spring (May to August). Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies can start in the winter, spring or fall term.

Applications for September 2027 entry close on 1 February 2027 for programs other than Engineering (documents due 15 February 2027) and on 15 January 2027 for Engineering programs other than Architecture (documents due 1 February 2027). International students have the same deadlines. Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies: winter 2027 applications close 30 October 2026 for degree and non-degree (13 November 2026 for post-degree); spring 2027 applications close 26 February 2027 for degree and non-degree (12 March 2027 for post-degree). Optometry closes 12 November 2026 and Pharmacy closes 6 January 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/how-to-apply

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