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 csumentor.edu); and (2) apply to the department, in care of the Graduate Program Adviser (see anthro.fullerton. edu/Grad.htm). Arrange to have two letters of recommendation sent to the Graduate Program Adviser. Please check with the graduate adviser (below) for department deadlines.

Carl Wendt, Archaeology
Barbra Erickson, Cultural Anthropology
John Patton, 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 MA 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 27 units in anthropology, including the following courses or their equivalents:

Core Courses (15 units)

ANTH 101 - Introduction to Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 102 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 103 - Introduction to Archaeology (3)
ANTH 480 - History of Anthropology (3)
ANTH 481 - Contemporary Anthropology (3)

Additional Upper-Division Courses (12 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

Electives - two courses (6 units)

Electives may be additional ANTH 504T seminars, ANTH 599 Independent Study or 400-level courses.

Additional Information

For continuation in the program, a “B” (3.0) average, with no grade below “C” (2.0) 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 or a project, including an oral examination, 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).