Anthropology

The Anthropology master’s program emphasizes a core of common training across fields, including anthropological theory, anthropological practice/application, research design, data interpretation, and writing, while permitting students to focus on one of three options: biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, or public archaeology. The master’s in Anthropology is a useful degree for students wanting to enter professional careers in practicing anthropology or public archaeology, for students whose career goals are interdisciplinary (such as integrating cultural studies and competency into careers in public health, business, or law), and students who seek to enter a Ph.D. program in anthropology (but who currently are not prepared to enroll in such a program directly). Students complete their degrees through completing a thesis or graduate project through consultation with faculty advisors.

The M.A. in Anthropology program offers three options: Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, or Public Archaeology.

A. Admission to the Program

All entering students must complete the following for admission to classified status in the program:

Completion of minimum University requirement for admission to graduate standing and a B.A. in Anthropology with coursework that includes introductory courses in archaeology, biological anthropology and sociocultural anthropology; anthropological theory (equivalent to ANTH 303); and anthropological methods (equivalent to ANTH 473 or ANTH 474 or ANTH 475) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Students with a cumulative GPA lower than 3.0 or a degree from outside the discipline of Anthropology may be admitted into the program under one of the following conditions: (a) Completion of the CSUN Certificate in Foundations of Anthropological Knowledge or the Certificate in Foundations of Anthropological Research with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; or (b) A score at or above the 50th percentile on two of the three portions of the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Exam; or (c) Exceptional cases that may not meet all the given requirements for admission will be considered by the graduate committee on petition by the applicant.

Specific reasons for opting for condition (b) or (c) must be offered in the applicant’s personal statement. It is highly recommended that applicants speak with the graduate advisor prior to application to receive guidance on documentation to submit to optimize making their case.

Application Materials

1. Two-page written statement by applicant indicating research and career objectives, including which option the student is selecting and naming at least one faculty member they want to work with and why.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies.
4. Demonstration of research and writing skills. Applicants must submit to the graduate committee a sample research paper, written in English, and preferably one that was completed as part of the baccalaureate degree requirements, such as a senior thesis or other research paper done in an upper division undergraduate or graduate course. Because of the importance of research and writing to the graduate program, the committee needs to be assured of applicants’ abilities and promise in these areas.

Students entering the program from the CSUN Department of Anthropology certificate programs are not required to fill out new application materials.

B. Degree Requirements

Minimum of 33 units of approved graduate work consisting of at least 27 units in anthropology and 24 units at the 500- and 600-level. An appropriate course of study is determined with the graduate advisor.

1. Required Graduate Seminars in Anthropology (15 units)

2. Public Archaeology Option Courses (15 units)

Methods Courses (6 units)

ANTH 518/L Lab Methods in Archaeology and Lab (2/1)
One additional methods course selected in consultation with the graduate advisor (3)

Public Archaeology Course (3 units)

ANTH 607 Seminar in Management of Archaeological Resources (3)

Electives (6 units)

Two courses selected in consultation with the graduate advisor.

3. Culminating Experience (3 units)

ANTH 698C Thesis (3)

Note: The culminating experience is developed in consultation with faculty advisors. In order to take the culminating experience, students must have a 3.0 GPA.

Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 33