Anthropology, M.A.

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(30 UNITS)

The program offers advanced study of general anthropology, while simultaneously encouraging specialization in one (or more) of the anthropological subdisciplines: archaeology; cultural anthropology; anthropological linguistics; and evolutionary anthropology. Opportunities for field and laboratory research, and other related learning experiences permit students to enlarge upon formal classroom training and work independently with original data. Students may pursue a thesis or project of either a traditional or more exploratory character. Efforts are made to assist individuals to plan programs that will meet their individual needs and interests.

Application Deadlines and Procedure

There are two steps in the application process: (1) apply online to the university (see Cal State Apply); and (2) apply to the department, in care of the Graduate Program Adviser. Arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the Graduate Program Adviser. Please check with the graduate adviser (below) for department deadlines.

Edward Knell, Archaeology
Sarah Grant, Cultural Anthropology
Elizabet Pillsworth, Evolutionary Anthropology

Prerequisites

Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, admission to conditionally classified standing is contingent upon evaluation and acceptance by the Graduate Affairs Committee.

The Department of Anthropology requires a grade-point average of 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework in anthropology. Students with limited subject or grade deficiencies may be considered for admission to the program if they agree to complete, with at least a “B” (3.0) average, additional courses selected by the Graduate Study Committee. Subject deficiencies must be met prior to candidacy. Students entering the M.A. program from other fields or other departments of anthropology should discuss appropriate course substitution with the graduate adviser. The department does not permit substitutions for the core courses.

Classification

A student who meets the requirements for conditionally classified graduate standing, as well as the following requirements, will be granted classified graduate standing upon the development of an approved study plan:

A bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 21 units in anthropology, including the following courses or their equivalents:

Core Courses (15 units)

Additional Upper-Division Courses (6 units)

Reading courses and special examinations may be substitutes for the additional upper-division coursework in anthropology

A GPA of “B” (3.0) or better for all work taken in anthropology
Classification review administered by the graduate adviser

Study Plan

Required Courses (18 units)

Electives (6-9 units)

Exit Option (3-6 units)

ANTH 597 - Project (3-6) *
ANTH 598 - Thesis (3-6) *
ANTH 599 - Independent Graduate Research (1-3) and
Comprehensive exam

Additional Information

* Must be repeated for a total of 6 units

For continuation in the program, a “B” (3.0) average must be maintained for all work in the study plan.

Students must remain continuously enrolled, either by enrolling in at least one Anthropology course each semester or by enrolling in Graduate Studies 700. Students may request a waiver of this requirement for one or two semesters if professional purposes require absence from campus. A student who is not continuously enrolled will be required to apply for readmission to the program.

A thesis, project or exam must be completed for the degree.

The progress of graduate students will be reviewed prior to classification and again before advancement to candidacy. Students must demonstrate competence in a foreign language or quantitative methods.

For further information, consult the Anthropology graduate program adviser. See also the Department of Anthropology’s website (anthro.fullerton.edu).