Mar 29, 2024  
University Catalog 2009-2011 (PRINTED) 
    
University Catalog 2009-2011 (PRINTED) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Anthropology, M.A.


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Master of Arts Degree

The objective of the M.A. degree in Anthropology is to prepare students for professional level employment in industry and government, teaching positions in community colleges, or advanced study towards the PhD. degree. The program has four options: General Anthropology, Archaeology, Sociocultural Anthropology, and Forensic Anthropology. The General Anthropology option prepares students in the traditional areas of anthropology: culture theory, ethnography, archaeology, linguistics, and physical anthropology. The Archaeology option prepares students for careers in archaeology or cultural resource management. The Forensic Anthropology option prepares students for careers in forensic anthropology or other aspects of law enforcement. The Sociocultural option prepares students for careers in cultural anthropology or ethnography.

Admission to the Program

With the exception of the Forensic Anthropology option, applicants must have a baccalaureate in anthropology and a 2.75 grade point average in the last 90-quarter units attempted or a B (3.0) grade point average in anthropology courses. Those whose undergraduate major was not anthropology must complete 20-32 units in anthropology, including ANTH 497, with a B average. Students’ actual number of units required is determined by advisement during their first quarter of postbaccalaureate study.

Forensic Anthropology applicants must have a baccalaureate in Anthropology and a 3.0 grade point average in the last 90- quarter units attempted, and a 3.0 grade point average in anthropology courses. Those whose undergraduate major was not anthropology must complete 20-32 units in anthropology with a B average. Students’ actual number of units required is determined by advisement during their first quarter of postbaccalaureate study.

Students are accepted into the Anthropology program for the fall, winter and spring quarters. Students must notify the department of their intent to seek admission to the Archaeology, Forensic, or Sociocultural option at the time of their application.

The Forensic Anthropology option requires that students apply to both, the University and to the Department of Anthropology. Students must have minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 90 Quarter College units taken and submit a separate application form (available from the department) to the Department of Anthropology that includes, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A telephone or personal interview is also required. Complete applications must be submitted to the Department of Anthropology by April 10 for fall admission, by August 10 for winter admission and by November 10 for spring admission. Applicants will be notified within two months following the appropriate deadline as to whether or not they are accepted. Because Forensic Anthropology courses are offered in sequence beginning with the fall quarter, students are strongly encouraged to apply for fall admission.

Requirements for the Degree (45-51 units)


A total of 45 - 51 units is required, with at least 23-26 units in 500-level courses, as specified by each option. All students must have a reading or speaking knowledge of a relevant research language or demonstrate proficiency in linguistic analysis or in statistics. Students must satisfy this requirement before they may attempt the comprehensive examination or submit a thesis proposal. Language proficiency is demonstrated by passing a foreign language reading examination administered by the department of Modern Languages and Literatures. Statistics proficiency is demonstrated by a B or higher grade in POLS 580 , PSY 414 , SOC 410 , or CRIM 512 . Students must complete either the comprehensive examination or a thesis prior to graduation, as required under the individual options presented below. Students also must fulfill all university requirements including the graduation writing assessment requirement (GWAR)

General Anthropology Option (45 units)


A total of 45 units are required, with at least 23 in 500-level courses.

Electives (23–29 units)


Select from 400 and 500-level anthropology courses, including at least two different 500-level courses. A maximum of 8 units in a related field may be included with prior adviser consent. Total must include 6 units of ANTH 599  along with 23 units of electives if thesis option is selected. Total must include 29 units of electives if comprehensive exam option is selected.

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis (0, 6 units)


Students who select the comprehensive examination (ANTH 596) should expect to take it no earlier than the quarter they complete all course work on their program and must comply with college and department requirements. Examinations are required in culture theory and two of the following areas: archaeology, ethnography, linguistics, and physical anthropology. Students who propose to write a thesis must have completed 24 units in their Master of Arts degree program as well as ANTH 481 and ANTH 510AB. Students who are approved to write a thesis must have successive enrollments in ANTH 599 for a total of 6 units.

Archaeology Option (50 units)


A total of 50 units are required, with at least 25 in 500-level courses.

Electives (12 -18 units)


Select from 400 and 500-level Anthropology courses including at least 3 500-level courses.

A maximum of 8 units in a related field may be included with prior advisor consent. Total must include 6 units of ANTH 599  along with 12 units of electives if thesis option is selected. Total must include 18 units of electives if comprehensive exam option is selected.

Comprehensive examination or Thesis (0, 6 units)


Students who select the comprehensive examination (ANTH 596) should expect to take it no earlier than the quarter they complete all course work on their program and must comply with college and department requirements. Examinations are required in culture theory, archaeology and one of the following areas: ethnography, linguistics, physical anthropology. Students who propose to write a thesis must have completed 24 units in their Master of Arts degree program as well as ANTH 481 and ANTH 510AB. Students who are approved to write a thesis must have successive enrollments in ANTH 599 for a total of 6 units.

Forensic Anthropology Option (49 units minimum)


A minimum of 49 units is required, with at least 25 in 500-level courses.

Thesis (6 units)


Students must have completed 24 units in their Master of Arts degree program and ANTH 510A before submitting a thesis proposal. Students who are approved to write a thesis must have successive enrollments in ANTH 599 for a total of 6 units.

Sociocultural Anthropology Option (51 units)


A total of 51 units is required, with at least 26 in 500-level courses.

Electives (12-18 units)


Note:

A maximum of eight (8) units in a related field maybe included with prior advisor consent. Total must include 6 units of ANTH 599 along with 12 units of electives if thesis option is selected. Total must include 18 units of electives if comprehensive exam option is selected.

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis (0, 6 units)


Students who select the comprehensive examination (ANTH 596) should expect to take it no earlier than the quarter they complete all course work on their program and must comply with college and department requirements. Examinations are required in culture theory, ethnography and one of the following areas: archaeology, linguistics, physical anthropology. Students who propose to write a thesis must have completed 24 units in their Master of Arts degree program as well as ANTH 481 and ANTH 510 AB. Students who are approved to write a thesis must have successive enrollments in ANTH 599 for a total of 6 units.

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