The Master of Arts in Anthropology at CSU prepares students for entrance into a Ph.D. program and for non-academic careers. The program builds on the diverse research interests of our faculty who specialize in cultural anthropology, archaeology, and biological anthropology as well as human and physical geography. The program options include writing a thesis or developing a portfolio as the principle demonstration of preparedness for further study or professional work.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Students who are conferred an M.A. from the Department of Anthropology and Geography will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of anthropological theory and method, and how to apply them appropriately.
- Engage in independent research that addresses academic questions or societal challenges.
- Demonstrate awareness of and respect for human diversity across space and time.
- Possess the academic background and skills to enter a Ph.D. program in anthropology or a job related to the discipline.
Effective Fall 2021
Plan A
The thesis option must consist of a minimum of 30 semester credits of course work concentrated in anthropological areas relevant to the participant’s professional goals. The thesis is the culmination of a research project carried out by the student under the guidance of his or her advisor. A final examination consists of a defense of the thesis, as well as other parts of the program of study.
Plan B
The non-thesis option is intended for students seeking development of an understanding of Anthropology which will allow them to move on to a PhD program in Anthropology, or be incorporated in their work. Plan B students are expected to take a more broadly distributed series of courses and to show less specialization than that which characterizes Plan A programs of study.
Requirements for Plan B are a minimum of 35 credits of study. Students must complete a portfolio of work demonstrating both the breadth of their understanding of Anthropology and their own area of specialization, selected in consultation with the student’s advisor. A final examination consists of a defense of the portfolio, as well as other parts of the program of study.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Course | ||
| ANTH 500 | Development of Anthropological Theory | 3 |
| Methods Course | ||
| Select 3 credits from departmentally approved methods courses list, integrated with the student's program of study in consultation with advisor. | 3-4 | |
| Electives | ||
| Select at least three credits in a 500 - 700 level anthropology course outside the student's subfield of specialization (archaeology, socio-cultural or biological anthropology) in consultation with advisor. | 3 | |
| Select at least three credits from a department outside of Anthropology in consultation with advisor. The course should be integrated with the student's program of study. | 3 | |
| Elective Courses - Select from 12 to 17 credits in courses integrated with the student's program of study in consultation with advisor. | 12-17 | |
| Additional Credits for Independent Study or Thesis Work | 1-6 | |
| Program Total Credits: | 30-35 | |
- A minimum of 18 hours of regular course work in Anthropology is required. This excludes independent study.
- A maximum of six credits of ANTH 695 allowed towards graduation under the Plan A option. A minimum of 3 credits of ANTH 695 is required toward graduation under the Plan B option.
- A maximum of six credits of ANTH 699 will be allowed towards graduation under Plan A. No credits of ANTH 699 allowed toward graduation under the Plan B option.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |