Anthropology

The Anthropology Program at CSUSM

The Anthropology department offers a Bachelor of Arts with five concentrations and a Minor in Anthropology. The Anthropology program at CSUSM distinguishes itself as an applied, collaborative, and interdisciplinary course of study that engages students directly with the interests and efforts of local communities while connecting them to global experiences. After a core curriculum of anthropological concepts, theory, and methods, anthropology students work collaboratively with Anthropology faculty and local communities and agencies. Through an engaged and innovative curriculum that responds to state and regional needs, the anthropology program trains students in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including ethnography, participant observation, visual ethnography, social documentation, ethnomedicine, ethnobotany, biological anthropology, and archaeology.

The anthropology major distinguishes itself through long-term collaborative research projects that enhance student learning experiences, promote the interests of local communities, and reciprocal exchange between the university and the community.

• • Experience collaborating with local communities on a whole range of applied research while also connecting them to global experiences.
  • Training and experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods including ethnography, participant observation, focus groups, surveys and sampling, interviewing, ethnobotany, and archaeological survey and documentation.
  • Knowledge, critical thinking, research, and communication skills necessary to explore, understand, and improve their social worlds.

Students with a Bachelor's in Anthropology go on to pursue careers in academia, business, government, non-profit agencies, non-governmental organizations and in community-based settings.

Anthropology Concentrations

The program at CSUSM allows for students to choose a path of study through five different concentrations. These concentrations allow students to emphasize one subfield of the discipline.

Archaeology

Focus on archaeological methods, theory and practice.  Students are provided direct field experience in cultural resource management, survey, data collection and analysis and report writing.  International Archaeology opportunities, CSUSM Belize Archaeology Channel.

Biological Anthropology

Focus on human biology, forensics and primate behavior. Students conduct observation and laboratory work aimed a expanding their expertise with in human and non human primate genetics, evolution and biological diversity. 

Indigenous Anthropology

Focus on working collaboratively with  indigenous communities on long-term research and social documentation projects. Students leave the program with expertise on the complex social, structural, historical and cultural conditions impacting indigenous communities globally. 

Medical Anthropology

Focus on the study of medical systems, health care systems, access to and utilization of health care, medicinal concepts and practices, ethnobotany, and forms of diagnosis, prognosis, illness causation, and disease etiologies. Advanced students conduct field research and internships in the context of community-based research projects, health care settings, and internships.

SocioCultural Anthropology

Focus on contemporary sociocultural issues encountered by human societies both locally, regionally and globally. Students work collaboratively with faculty and their student colleagues to conduct ethnographic research on issues relevant to their communities and receive training on how to transform data into applied recommendations for community partners.