COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Anthropology at California State University, Sacramento requires a total of 30 units and is structured to provide both broad foundational knowledge and specialized expertise in a chosen subfield. The program begins with 9 units of core seminars, where students take one primary seminar in their area of focus—such as biological anthropology, archaeology, ethnology, or language and culture—along with two additional core seminars to build a strong academic base.Students then complete 6 units of breadth seminars, selecting from a variety of advanced topics including anthropological theory, research design, archaeological methods, environmental anthropology, and museum studies. These courses help expand knowledge across different areas of anthropology and strengthen interdisciplinary understanding. In addition, students must take 3 units of an additional graduate-level course, further enhancing their academic depth.The program also includes 9 units of general electives, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their research interests and career goals. These electives may be chosen from advanced anthropology courses or related disciplines, with approval from a thesis advisor.A key component of the program is the 3-unit culminating requirement, which involves completing a master’s thesis based on original research. This thesis demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct independent scholarly work and contribute to the field. Overall, the curriculum is designed to combine theoretical knowledge, research skills, and academic flexibility, preparing students for doctoral study or professional careers in anthropology.