ANTHR-BA - Anthropology (BA)

The courses offered by the Department of Anthropology are designed to:

1. provide undergraduates with instruction in anthropology;

2. provide undergraduate majors in Anthropology with a program of work leading to the bachelor’s degree;

3. and prepare graduate candidates for advanced degrees in Anthropology.

Anthropology is devoted to the study of human beings and human societies as they exist across time and space. It is distinct from other social sciences in that it gives central attention to the entire period of human history and the full range of human societies and cultures, including those in historically marginalized parts of the world. It is, therefore, especially attuned to questions of social, cultural, and biological diversity, to issues of power, identity, and inequality, and to understanding the dynamic processes of social, historical, ecological, and biological change over time.

The Department of Anthropology offers various approaches to the topics and area studies within the field, including archaeology, ecology, environmental anthropology, evolution, linguistics, medical anthropology, political economy, science and technology studies, and sociocultural anthropology. Methodologies for studying micro- and macro-social processes are taught through qualitative and quantitative approaches. The department provides students with excellent training in theory and methods to enable them to pursue graduate study in any of the abovementioned subfields of Anthropology.

In addition to gaining an excellent foundation for graduate research and study, students majoring in Anthropology can pursue careers in government, international business, international development agencies, international education, law, mass media, nonprofit organizations, and public policy.

Undergraduate training in the Department of Anthropology is only designed for students who seek a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Students may declare a major in Anthropology and earn a BA degree by completing the requirements below. The Anthropology BA degree program usually requires at least five quarters of enrollment. Eligible students may also pursue a Bachelor of Arts with Honors. 

Students interested in majoring in Anthropology should apply in Axess for the major by the time junior status is achieved at 85 units. Students are encouraged to work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a coherent study plan.

To declare a major in Anthropology:

1. Apply in Axess for the BA in Anthropology

2. Contact the department’s undergraduate student services officer to prepare the Major Form and Checklist and to request a faculty advisor assignment.

3. Meet with the assigned faculty advisor to approve the department Major Form and Checklist and submit the required forms to the undergraduate student services officer.