B.A. in Anthropology

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) offers various scholarships to help international students with their educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and other criteria. 

International Merit Scholarship: GVSU offers merit-based scholarships to international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The award amounts may vary, but they are typically based on a student's academic achievements. The scholarships are competitive and awarded to high-achieving students.

Study Abroad Scholarships: GVSU encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. The university provides scholarships to students who wish to study abroad and gain valuable international experience.

Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments and programs within the university offer scholarships for students pursuing specific majors. These scholarships are often based on academic performance and potential in the chosen field of study.

Cultural and Identity-Based Scholarships: GVSU promotes diversity and inclusivity. As a result, there are scholarships available for students who contribute to the diversity of the university community. These scholarships recognize students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Foundation Scholarships: GVSU Foundation Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors. These scholarships cover a wide range of academic disciplines and may be available to both undergraduate and graduate international students.

Community College Transfer Scholarships: International students transferring from U.S. community colleges to GVSU may be eligible for transfer scholarships, which can help with the cost of completing their bachelor's degrees.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Anthropology from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in both public and private sectors. The program’s comprehensive approach to understanding human cultures, societies, and biological evolution equips students with a versatile skill set applicable to numerous fields. 

Cultural Resource Manager: Cultural resource managers work to preserve and manage cultural and historical sites. They often work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or consulting firms, conducting assessments and ensuring compliance with preservation laws. Their role involves protecting archaeological sites and cultural heritage from development and environmental threats.

Museum Curator: Museum curators are responsible for managing museum collections, organizing exhibitions, and conducting educational programs. They work with artifacts, artworks, and historical documents, curating displays that educate the public and preserve cultural heritage. Curators often collaborate with researchers and educators to develop engaging exhibits.

Archaeologist: Archaeologists study human history through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains. They conduct fieldwork, analyze findings, and interpret data to understand past cultures and civilizations. Archaeologists often work on excavation sites, in laboratories, or for research institutions.

Cultural Anthropologist: Cultural anthropologists study contemporary cultures and societies through ethnographic research. They observe and interview people to understand their social practices, beliefs, and behaviors. This role often involves fieldwork, data analysis, and writing reports or publications on cultural findings.

Forensic Anthropologist: Forensic anthropologists apply their knowledge of human anatomy and skeletal analysis to assist in legal investigations. They help identify human remains, determine the age, sex, and ancestry of deceased individuals, and provide expert testimony in criminal cases. This career often involves working with law enforcement agencies.

International Development Specialist: International development specialists work on projects aimed at improving living conditions and economic development in various countries. They design and implement programs that address issues such as poverty, education, and health, often working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or international agencies.

Public Health Advisor: Public health advisors analyze and address health issues within communities, using anthropological insights to understand cultural factors affecting health behaviors. They develop and implement health education programs, conduct research, and work on policy development to improve public health outcomes.

Social Researcher: Social researchers conduct studies to gather data on social behaviors, attitudes, and trends. They use anthropological methods to analyze social phenomena and provide insights that inform policy decisions, program development, and social interventions.

Ethnographer: Ethnographers conduct in-depth studies of specific cultural groups to understand their way of life, traditions, and social dynamics. Their work involves immersive fieldwork, participant observation, and detailed documentation of cultural practices, contributing to academic research and cultural understanding.

Academic or Research Professor: Graduates pursuing advanced degrees can become professors or researchers in anthropology or related fields. They teach at universities, conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to academic knowledge in anthropology.