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California State University, Chico
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Anthropology MA

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  • Program Type

    Graduate

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

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Are you curious about human culture and its development, enjoy scholarly work, and love diverse environments from forests to urban areas? If you also like analyzing data, preparing reports, and are considering a pathway to a PhD, this program is for you.

The Master of Arts in Anthropology offers a comprehensive exploration of human biological and cultural development. Dive into fascinating courses covering human evolution, archaeology, linguistics, folklore, and the study of diverse cultures. Our program emphasizes hands-on methodologies and analytical skills, preparing you for a dynamic career in anthropology. Discover the connections between past and present, and gain the tools to uncover the mysteries of human history and society.

Student browses exhibition within the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology

What is it like to be an anthropology master's student?

As an anthropology master's student, you'll receive close mentoring from renowned faculty, write outstanding theses, and can immerse yourself in hands-on projects like making award-winning documentary films, working on FBI case files, or designing museum exhibits, and gain valuable field experience through numerous internships.

Students surrounding table at Gateway Science Event

Diverse Career Paths with a Master's in Anthropology

A career in anthropology may spur images of buried bones and the adventures of “Indiana Jones,” but the field is broad — and not limited to excavation sites and lost temples.

A Masters in anthropology can give you lead you to pursue careers such as archeology, college professor, environmental anthropologist, medical anthropologist, and museum curator. It can also help you make a difference on teams that focus on advertising, diversity, human resources, user experience, and social justice.

Chico State students who have earned the MA have gone on to work for organizations like United States Department of Defense, US Forest Service, the California Department of Transportation and the Shasta and Butte County Sheriff Department.

Student operating professional grade video camera

Digital Cinema for Anthropological Research

The Advanced Laboratory for Visual Anthropology (ALVA) was created with funding from the National Science Foundation, Major Research Instrumentation grant. It is the first facility to incorporate digital cinema technology into anthropological research and the communication of the results of that research to broad audiences.

Two people working in front of a computer in the Human ID lab.

The Human ID Lab

Chico State’s Human Identification Laboratory (HIL) is the largest forensic anthropology lab in the Western United States. For 50 years, our anthropologists have served Northern California and beyond, partnering with agencies to recover and identify missing persons, resolve criminal cases, and offer closure to families.

“
I've worked with military, FBI, and state and law enforcement agencies to identify missing people. I wouldn't have been able to do that without the skills I learned at Chico.
Lisa Bright (MA, Anthropology, ’11)
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Preparing to Take on The World’s Biggest Challenges

No field better prepares students for the 21st century than anthropology. Amid global population growth, rapid technological change, nationalism, and economic globalization, anthropology offers understanding and answers based on a century of exploring the development of human nature, society, and culture.

  • Media talk with anthropology faculty and graduate students in assistance with the Geographical Information Center

    Close Mentoring

    Receive close mentoring from renowned faculty, get help researching and preparing outstanding theses, and do hands-on work in the field.

  • A person constructing a skeleton in a classroom setting.

    Interesting projects

    Work on FBI case files, make documentaries or design museum exhibits, the possibilities are endless.

Students interacting at the Chico Anthropological Society table in front of Trinity Hall.

Find Your Community

The Chico Anthropological Society is both a welcome mat for newcomers and a forum for ongoing students of Anthropology. Working together with faculty, alumni and members of the community we provide opportunity for study, work and discussion associated with culture, linguistics, archaeology and biological anthropology.

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Additional Information

Please review the FAQ below and reach out if you have questions about taking the next step.

All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.

Application Deadlines

Fall: January-10
Spring: No spring admission 

Supplemental Materials

  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Writing sample

Matthew O'Brien, graduate program coordinator
mjobrien@csuchico.edu
530-898-5696

Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Scholarship Opportunities

California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.

You can still pursue this degree if your undergraduate degree was in a different field. It may occasionally require some prerequisites to bring you up to speed. Talk to the program coordinator Matthew O'Brien for details.

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