There are four major research programs in BARA:

• Anthropology and Education
• Cultural Resources Studies
• Development Studies
• Environmental Studies
  

There are also a number of individual research initiatives that have not yet acquired programmatic status. Each research program is constituted of a thematic area where BARA faculty and staff have a recognized and respected record of successful and continuous research activity. As part of the research undertaking, BARA faculty have developed well-defined theoretical and methodological approaches that present clear avenues of engagement with issues and problems that society has reason to value.

The challenge of research, applied or not, is to expand knowledge. BARA is committed to research that informs decision-making and problem-solving, while at the same time contributing to anthropological theory. As part of a "student-centered research university", BARA's approach integrates the student learning experience fully into the research process. Since BARA addresses issues that are relevant and important to local communities, its approach also has a strong outreach component and seeks to empower community partners.

The breadth and depth of BARA's research favors a highly interdisciplinary commitment and BARA faculty frequently work with many of the other departments at the University. The results of BARA research activities are shared with a variety of stakeholders as well as with the scholarly community.