2026-2027

Biological Anthropology, Minor

Department of Anthropology

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Pending Arizona Board of Regents' Approval.

The Biological Anthropology Minor focuses on the scientific study of biological and behavioral aspects of humans, their fossil ancestors, and non-human primates across time and space. The minor is a skills-focused program that emphasizes real-world applications and hands-on experience in Biological Anthropology, helping students develop scientific reasoning and critical perspectives on the biological and social dimensions of human diversity. Through the minor, students will gain foundational knowledge of human and non-human primate variation, evolution, and behavior, and explore questions using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

A wide variety of electives will allow students to pursue specialized training in human evolution, human biological variation, bioarchaeology, zooarchaeology, forensic anthropology, and primatology. Students will build a foundation for careers in research, teaching, healthcare, museum curation, conservation, forensic science, policy, and consulting, as well as preparation for graduate study in Anthropology, Archaeology, Biomedical Sciences, and Global Health.

  • A minor is a secondary field of academic study that allows students to broaden their knowledge, enhance their major field of study, or pursue a personal interest without committing to another major, while still obtaining a credential on their transcript.

    To receive a minor (15 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses in a specific discipline or interdisciplinary area with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 that is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Major GPA C

Purpose Statement

The Biological Anthropology Minor focuses on the scientific study of biological and behavioral aspects of humans, their fossil ancestors, and non-human primates across time and space. The minor is a skills-focused program that emphasizes real-world applications and hands-on experience in Biological Anthropology, helping students develop scientific reasoning and critical perspectives on the biological and social dimensions of human diversity. Through the minor, students will gain foundational knowledge of human and non-human primate variation, evolution, and behavior, and explore questions using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Students will gain practical experience through laboratory analyses, field studies, and collaborative projects, along with opportunities for individualized research, field schools, and internships. Students will also develop skills in skeletal analysis, biological measurements, behavioral observation, data collection and interpretation, and ethical evaluation of research practices. These experiences will allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems while building practical, career-relevant expertise.

A wide variety of electives will allow students to pursue specialized training in human evolution, human biological variation, bioarchaeology, zooarchaeology, forensic anthropology, and primatology. Combined with mentorship opportunities, these electives enable students to tailor the minor to their professional and academic interests while strengthening research and applied problem-solving skills.

The Biological Anthropology Minor prepares students for a broad range of careers and graduate study opportunities. Students will acquire competencies relevant to research, teaching, data analysis, healthcare, policy, consulting, museum curation and collections management, medical examination, genetic counseling, and environmental conservation. The minor also provides a strong foundation for graduate programs in Anthropology, Archaeology, Biomedical Sciences, Global Health, and related disciplines, giving students a competitive advantage in both academic and workplace settings.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Define, summarize, and analyze Biological Anthropology's core concepts, theories, methods, challenges, and major debates.
  • Describe how Biological Anthropology contributes to a greater understanding of human and non-human primate biological and behavioral diversity across time and space.
  • Identify past and present ethical issues in Biological Anthropology and apply ethical best practices in educational, research, and applied contexts.
  • Practice and compare various methods and approaches in Biological Anthropology.
  • Evaluate how applied Biological Anthropology perspectives can address contemporary global challenges.

Minor Requirements

  • Students enrolled in this minor may not enroll in or pursue the following:

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.