What makes us human? By studying anthropology, you'll understand how both biology and cultures shape our societies. Prepare for a career understanding and sharing human experiences.
Why Study Anthropology?
Piece together the broader human story with a major in anthropology. You'll learn human biology and how humans evolved to adapt to their environments. You will study how our ancestors lived by interpreting lost languages and analyzing their artifacts.
Anthropology also examines how people live today. You'll look at the different ways people communicate and dress. You'll learn how people meet basic human needs like shelter and health care. You'll also work to preserve cultures around the world. With an anthropology major, you'll be ready for today's multicultural workplace. You can work for museums, national or state parks, social services and more.
Why Study Anthropology at CSUN?
Experienced Faculty
Our faculty publish leading research and champion community engagement. They helm field projects in Mexico, Peru, Scotland, Botswana, Thailand and more. They provide expertise to local community organizations, museums and schools. As a student, you will be able to join faculty in their projects. You may join them on field projects or contribute to research papers.
Field School
Up for a little adventure while you learn? As an Anthropology major, you'll be able to apply to field schools to gain firsthand experience as an anthropologist. You'll spend about a month working in research areas and museums all over the world. You will learn the basics of archaeological fieldwork with hands-on practice. You can practice handling and analyzing organic artifacts in a museum or archives. You'll conduct interviews to capture stories. Earn college credit while interacting with fellow students and professionals.
Study Abroad
Make your anthropology classes come to life through taking classes overseas. The department encourages you to study abroad to build cultural awareness. You may be able to fulfill certain major courses through the CSU International Program Study Centers. Consult your departmental advisor or the campus International Programs advisor for more information.
What You'll Learn
As an anthropology major, you will study humans and their behaviors. You will learn about their origins, biology, cultural patterns, and environmental adaptations. You'll also hone skills such as:
- Communication and writing
- Observation
- Experimental design
- Interviewing
- Statistical methods
- Cross-cultural awareness
In your foundations courses, you'll take introductory classes in:
- Biological anthropology
- Cultural anthropology
- Archaeology
- Anthropological thought
In your breadth electives courses, you will take classes from four subdisciplines of anthropology.
- In Cultural Anthropology, you can study folklore, language in culture, and arts in anthropology.
- In Biological Anthropology, you can take classes on human behavior and human paleontology.
- In Archaeology, you will study the artifacts of cultures around the world.
- In Applied Anthropology, you will study how anthropology can help solve social problems in today's world.
You will also study a people group, such as those inhabiting North America, South America or Africa. You will also take a method and theory course to study research methods. Finally, you will take a seminar in anthropology or archaeology to practice your research skills.
Careers & Outcomes
As an Anthropology major, you learn a variety of skills that employers are looking for. The world is more culturally aware, and you will not only bring cross-cultural awareness to your workplace but also help navigate it. You will also have top-notch interviewing and writing skills.
You will be prepared for jobs in areas such as public health, social services, and cultural or natural resource management. You can also pursue graduate study in anthropology, law and more.
Common career paths for graduates include:
- K-12 teacher
- Researcher for museums or historical organizations
- Journalist
- Archivist
Hit the ground running..
Make connections and friendships with the Anthropology Student Association (ASA). Join in on networking events, connect with faculty and attend field trips with friends. You'll also help plan the Anthro-Expo, the Department of Anthropology's annual student symposium.
Create Your Own Program
You may develop an Anthropology major program that reflects specialized or interdisciplinary interests. See the Anthropology curriculum for more details.
Teach Social Studies
Your anthropology courses can help you become a middle school or high school social studies teacher. Combine your major program with the Single Subject Social Science Subject Matter Program to meet requirements for entering a Single Subject Credential Program. Talk to your advisor about coordinating the two programs. View Social Science Subject Matter Program for Secondary School Teachers for more information.