Graduate Program
The Master of Arts program in Anthropology prepares students to enter the profession as trained anthropologists, and is recommended only for those who wish to seriously pursue a career specialization in Anthropology. It requires a higher level of achievement, and places greater emphasis upon independent study and research than does the BA. It emphasizes broad training in three fields of anthropology (archeology, biological anthropology and human evolution, and cultural anthropology) while offering students some flexibility in degree planning and requirements. Department evaluation and approval is required for admission to either classified or unclassified graduate standing.
The General Anthropology track offers two alternatives. The terminal MA degree emphasizes a generalist approach, prepares students to teach anthropology at the community college level, and culminates in a series of comprehensive examinations in each of the three fields covered by the department. A more specialized degree option prepares students to enter a Ph.D. program; this path culminates in a thesis under the direction of the faculty. The latter option is designed for students who plan to enter a Ph.D. program in anthropology, but may not have the background or foundational knowledge to enter such a program directly. All students in the General Anthropology track are required to take seminars in each of four areas of anthropology: socio-cultural anthropology, archeology, physical anthropology, and anthropological theory. In addition, students take elective courses to fit with their area of specialization.
The option in Public Archeology prepares students to become cultural resource managers. Public Archeology students are required to take five seminars plus a range of elective courses with an archeological focus, and to complete a research project under the supervision of the Director of the Center for Public Archeology.
The Department offers computer facilities, a media support facility, and a physical anthropology/ archeology lab. The members of the Anthropology faculty represent a wide range of interests and approaches to the discipline. Information on individual faculty members, their backgrounds and interests is available from the department office 818 677-3331 or on the faculty page of this website.. Prospective graduate applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the website or the department to compare their interests with those of existing faculty.
Graduate Program Application (.pdf)