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.
