The Anthropology Major

Our major prepares students to embark on a wide range of careers, to pursue graduate studies, and to continue to learn and achieve in our culturally diverse world. Our curriculum develops students' knowledge and skills, including 1) an understanding of cultural diversity and global relationships, 2) the fundamentals of conducting research and analyzing sources of information through ethnographic and other anthropological techniques, and 3) communication skills in organizing and presenting information in written reports and oral presentations.
 
Are you interested in a particular geographic area or world region? A particular set of religious practices and beliefs? A particular set of social and cultural problems? If so, you might want to explore the offerings in the upper division classes. Many of these courses are smaller and give a taste of current research and methods in Anthropology. There is no reason not to take an upper division class (unless there are pre-requisites listed in the Schedule of Classes, of course) as you explore the field of anthropology and consider majoring in it.

Departmental Requirements for the Major | General Catalogue

School Requirements must be met and must include 12 courses (48 units) as specified below:
 

 

Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree:

University Requirements
School of Social Sciences Requirements

Departmental Requirements for the Major Prior to Academic year 2019-2020:

School requirements must be met and must include 12 courses (48 units) as specified below:

• Anthropology 2A.
• Anthropology 2B, 2C, or 2D.
• Anthropology 30A. Students prior to 2019-2020 Academic year were required to take Anthro 30B, which is now Anthro 100A.
• Three topical courses (12 units) from Anthropology 120-159, 170-179.
• Two courses (eight units) in a geographical area, from Anthropology 160-169.
• Four additional elective courses (16 units) from Anthropology 30A, 30B, 40-179, 180A.

Students are strongly encouraged to take Anthropology 180A after they have had at least three courses beyond Anthropology 2A and 2B, 2C, or 2D. Students are also strongly encouraged to take both Anthropology 30A and 30B.

 

Study Abroad:

The faculty encourages anthropology majors or minors to study abroad and experience a different culture while making progress toward degree objectives. The Center for International Education, which includes the Education Abroad Program (EAP) and the International Opportunities Program (IOP), assists students in taking advantage of many worldwide opportunities. For example, EAP offers excellent opportunities to study anthropology at many universities abroad and courses taken for departmental requirement C, D, and E would be excellent choices to take. Study abroad also can provide opportunities for cross-cultural experience, field research, and foreign language training. See the Center for International Education section of the Catalogue for additional information.

GUMP (Graduate-Undergraduate Mentoring Program): 

The Graduate-Undergraduate Mentoring Program (GUMP) pairs undergraduate students majoring or minoring in anthropology with a graduate student mentor. Mentoring focuses on topics such as: tips for success in upper division anthropology classes, how to use anthropology after graduation, research opportunities, and applying to graduate school. Interested undergraduates should fill out the following form: link TBA.

UROP and SURP:

Our undergraduate majors have also taken advantage of UROP and SURP to conduct independent research locally or abroad, often leading to honors' theses or presentations at conferences. See the UROP website for more information.

 

Resources:

• Change of Major Criteria
• Anthropology Degree Check Form
• School of Social Sciences Undergraduate Counseling Office
• Undergraduate Student Affairs (peer advising; course planning; change of major request; financial aid appeals; course substitutions; and information concerning honors, graduate and professional school, and career and internships)
• Social Sciences Academic Resource Center (scholarship information; public and community service opportunities; academic and professional support services; transfer students; certificate programs; and research opportunities)
• Research Opportunities
• Scholarship and Awards
• School of Social Sciences Student Resources
• Graduation Information
• Freshman Handbook
• Transfer Student Handbook
• Readmission to Social Sciences Policy
• Academic Honesty