BA Anthropology at Vanderbilt University

Programme overview

The anthropology major develops such understanding through experiential learning that challenges students to go beyond the familiar; to see, understand, create, and interact in new ways. The major spans scientific, social scientific, and humanistic approaches to the study of people in all times and places. A course in a third subfield is strongly recommended, in consultation with the adviser. 3 credit hours—Anthropological Theory (ANTH 2101 OR ANTH 2102) Anthropological theory courses offer overviews of the historical development of Anthropology, the state of the discipline today, and seek to develop frameworks of “why” human populations do what they do that are applicable across cultures.

Faculty: College of Arts and Science | Department: Anthropology | Duration: 30 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Nashville, TN, United States

What you will study

A course in a third subfield is strongly recommended, in consultation with the adviser. 3 credit hours—Anthropological Theory (ANTH 2101 OR ANTH 2102) Anthropological theory courses offer overviews of the historical development of Anthropology, the state of the discipline today, and seek to develop frameworks of “why” human populations do what they do that are applicable across cultures. Students must take either ANTH 2101 or ANTH 2102. 3 credit hours—Anthropological Methods Methods courses give students hands-on approaches to how Anthropologists do what they do, from ethnographic interviews to archaeological investigations, as well as geographical information systems analysis, AI applicatio

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to Vanderbilt University through the College of Arts and Science; no separate programme-level admission requirements are listed for the major (the major is declared after enrolment).

USD 69,822 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate full-year tuition 2026-27 ($34,911 per semester for 12-18 hours); one undergraduate rate is published for all students, with no separate in-state or international rate. Excludes student support fee, housing, meals and health insurance. Source

First-year applicants apply for fall 2027 entry under Early Decision I, Early Decision II or Regular Decision; transfer applicants apply on a rolling basis through the spring.

Early Decision I (binding): completed application due 1 November 2026, decisions in mid-December, matriculation deposit due 31 December 2026. Early Decision II (binding): completed application due 1 January 2027, decisions in mid-February, deposit due 1 March 2027. Regular Decision (non-binding): completed application due 1 January 2027, decisions in late March, deposit due 1 May 2027.

Blair School of Music applicants also submit the Blair School of Music Application with a pre-screening video, due 1 November 2026 for Early Decision I and 1 December 2026 (priority) for Early Decision II and Regular Decision.

Transfer: priority deadline 15 February 2027 for a completed application; decisions on a rolling basis from late April 2027.

Applications are accepted through the Coalition Application (powered by Scoir), the Common Application or QuestBridge. SAT or ACT scores are optional for fall 2027 and fall 2028 entry and required for fall 2029 entry; international applicants must show English proficiency (waived above 26 ACT English or 630 SAT EBRW).

Merit scholarship applications are due 1 December 2026. CSS Profile and FAFSA priority deadlines are 1 November 2026 (Early Decision I), 1 January 2027 (Early Decision II) and 1 February 2027 (Regular Decision).

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.vanderbilt.edu/apply/

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