Anthropology at California State University at Northridge

The Anthropology master’s program emphasizes broad training in four fields of anthropology (archaeology, biological anthropology and human evolution, cultural anthropology and applied anthropology), while offering students some flexibility in degree planning and requirements. The master’s in Anthropology is particularly well-suited for students who want to enter a Ph.D. program in anthropology but may not have the preparation necessary to enroll in such a program directly; 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 sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, physical anthropology and anthropological theory. In addition, students take elective courses to fit with their area of specialization. They complete their degrees either by passing a series of comprehensive exams or by writing a thesis. Those who want 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, etc.) will decide between the examination and thesis alternatives in consultation with the graduate advisor.