Anthropology Department

Undergraduate Program, Honors & Certificates

Why Major in Anthropology?

There is perhaps no single field of study that can better prepare students to cope with the challenges of the 21st century than anthropology. Confronted with the increasing global population, rapid technological change, rising tides of nationalism, and economic globalization, many look to the future with uncertainty. Anthropology provides understanding and answers based on a century of exploring the development of human nature, society, and culture. It is the only social science that seeks to understand both human biological and cultural variation in the past and in the present. Encompassing a wide range of subjects spanning archaeology, cultural and linguistic anthropology, museum studies, and biological anthropology. Anthropology is unique among the many fields that study humanity.

The Bachelor's in Arts, Minor, and Honors programs in anthropology have been developed to provide the student with a broad perspective on human biological and cultural development. This is achieved through course work in human biology and evolution, archaeology and prehistory, linguistics, folklore, and contemporary peoples in Western and non-Western cultures. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of practical methodologies and analytical skills unique to the discipline. The Anthropology Department creates a true learning community where excellent facilities are combined with close personal contact between students and faculty.

BA in Anthropology

BA Program Requirements(opens in new window)

Minor in Anthropology

Minor Program Requirements(opens in new window)

Honors in Anthropology

Prerequisite: Department Chair acceptance into Honors of Anthropology program, GE Written Communication requirement, ANTH 303, acceptance into the Honors Program
Course Requirements: Anth 496HW, and Anth 499H

Honors Program

Honors Program Requirements(opens in new window)

Certificate Programs

Enrollment: Must be a Chico State undergraduate student currently enrolled in a complementary Chico State BA/BS degree program. All Certificate Programs require on campus classes.

Certificate in Applied Cultural Anthropology

The Certificate in Applied Cultural Anthropology prepares individuals for careers in private businesses and public agencies in the U.S. and abroad. Emphasis is placed upon identifying culturally related problem areas, research design, collecting and analyzing data, and policy analysis.

Contact Coordinator to Enroll: David Eaton

Certificate in Applied Cultural Anthropology Program Requirements(opens in new window)

Certificate in Cultural Resource Management

The Certificate in Cultural Resource Management program prepares individuals for careers in the conservation, preservation, and management of heritage resources located on public and private lands. Emphasis is placed upon the acquisition of archaeological field skills and knowledge of federal and state requirements. Employment opportunities are plentiful.

Contact Coordinator to Enroll: Matt O'BrienCarly Whelan

Certificate in Cultural Resource Management Program Requirements(opens in new window)

Certificate in Forensic Science

The Certificate in Forensic Science fosters student interest in applying scientific knowledge and skills of biological anthropology to legal issues (i.e., in an area of the forensic sciences). This program promotes both the development of important methods such as human skeletal identification and assessment in collaborative involvement with local law enforcement agencies.

Must be a Chico State undergraduate currently enrolled in a complementary Chico State BA/BS degree program.

Contact Coordinator to Enroll: Ashley Kendell

Certificate in Forensic Science Program Requirements(opens in new window)

The Certificate in Museum Studies

The Certificate in Museum Studies prepares individuals for careers in municipal, county, and historical society museums, and state and federal interpretive centers. Emphasis is placed upon curatorial research and the design, preparation, and installation of exhibits.

Contact Coordinator to Enroll: William Nitzky

The Certificate in Museum Studies Program Requirements(opens in new window)

Advising

Contact the Department Chair, Dr. Colleen Milligan(opens in new window) to schedule an appointment, or use the Online Appointment Form (Google Sheet)