The Masters in Anthropology program emphasizes broad training in four fields of anthropology (archaeology, biological anthropology and human evolution, socio-cultural anthropology, and applied anthropology) while offering students some flexibility in degree planning and requirements. The Masters in Anthropology is particularly well-suited for students who wish to enter a Ph.D. program in anthropology but may not have the preparation necessary to enter such a program directly from the B.A.; teach in the community colleges; or establish a career in a field that utilizes anthropological methods, theory and/or data. All students in the program are required to take seminars in socio-cultural anthropology, archaeology, physical anthropology and anthropological theory. In addition, students take elective courses to fit with their area of specialization. Students complete their degrees either by passing a series of comprehensive exams or writing a thesis. Students who wish to teach anthropology at the community college level are encouraged, but not required, to choose the comprehensive exam alternative. Students who plan to enter a Ph.D. program in Anthropology are strongly encouraged to write the thesis. Students who plan other Anthropology-related careers (e.g., museum work, public folklore, work in community-based and non-profit organizations, etc.) will decide between the examination and thesis alternatives in consultation with the graduate advisor.
The Public Archaeology Master’s program prepares students to work in the field of cultural resource management and to attend Ph.D. programs that place an emphasis on public archaeology and cultural heritage management. Public Archaeology students are required to take seminars in Anthropological Theory, Archaeology and the Management of Archaeological Resources; Archaeological Laboratory Methods; and elective courses with an archaeological focus. Public Archaeology students complete a Practicum in the Management of Archaeological Resources and write a thesis.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN PUBLIC ARCHAEOLOGY (revised Spring 2017)
Students completing the graduate program in public archaeology should be able to:
1 Analyze human experiences and the causes and consequences of cultural diversity across space and time from an anthropological perspective
2 Analyze the evolutionary process particularly as it relates to primate and specifically hominin evolution
3 Analyze biological and behavioral variation among human and non-human primates in context
4 Discuss and analyze the foundational concept of culture and core theories in anthropology and their applications to the field
5 Independently conceptualize, collect, describe, analyze, interpret, and communicate anthropological evidence according to generally accepted professional practice and ethics
6 Examine how anthropology can be used to engage in contemporary issues and can be applied toward addressing social problems
For those who lack sufficient foundational knowledge in anthropological method and theory, the CSUN Foundations of Anthropological Knowledge curriculum provides excellent preparation for entry into the Master’s degree program in Anthropology. This is a 15-unit, 1 year program in which students will complete coursework in general anthropological method and theory, as well as topical work in three of the core sub-fields of anthropology: archaeology, biological anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology. Up to nine units of credit earned in this certificate program can be used to satisfy the degree requirements of the CSUN Master of Arts in Anthropology or the CSUN Master of Arts in Public Archaeology.
For those who lack sufficient foundational knowledge in archaeological method and theory, the CSUN Foundations of Archaeological Knowledge curriculum provides excellent preparation for entry into the Master’s degree program in Archaeology or Anthropology. This is a 15-unit, 1 year program in which students will complete coursework in the method and theory used by anthropological archaeologists, as well as topical work in the archaeology of North America generally or California specifically. Up to nine units of credit earned in this certificate program can be used to satisfy the degree requirements of the CSUN Master of Arts in Anthropology or the CSUN Master of Arts in Public Archaeology.
