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Anthropology

About Anthropology at CSUSB

Anthropology is the study of people—past and present—and how we make sense of the world around us. At CSUSB, you’ll explore sociocultural anthropology, biological and physical anthropology, and archaeology to better understand the incredible diversity and complexity of human experience throughout history. 

Along the way, you’ll connect ideas from the social and biological sciences, humanities, and physical sciences, and learn how anthropologists use this knowledge to address real-world challenges. You can also customize your path by choosing anthropology as a minor, pursuing a social science credential, or focusing on Museum Studies (Track B).

Careers in Anthropology

Museum Researcher

With a degree in anthropology from CSUSB, you’ll be prepared for careers in museums, universities, government, business, and community organizations. Wherever your path takes you, you’ll draw on the skills you’ve developed here—research, cultural understanding, and critical thinking—to make an impact.

Possible career paths for anthropology graduates include:

  • Museum management
  • Cultural resources management (preserving cultural artifacts)
  • Market research
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Community development
  • International business
  • Cultural brokerage (building bridges between cultures)
  • Documentary filmmaking
  • Environmental impact assessment

Sample Courses

North American Archaeology

Archaeology of North America from earliest times to contact with Old World societies.

Historical Archaeology

Use of archaeological methods to study historic peoples. Historical and archaeological methods and their results. Focus will be primarily on North America from European entry to modern times.

Andean Archaeology

Examines the archaeology of Native American societies of Andean South America from the time of the first human occupants of that region to the Spanish Conquest beginning in the early 16th century.

Meet Professor Matthew Des Lauriers, Ph.D.

Matthew Des Lauriers
Matthew Des Lauriers, director of the Master of Arts in Applied Archaeology Program in the Department of Anthropology, takes a holistic approach to research that involves experimental, field and qualitative research. Matthew is honored to have the support from CSUSB to be able to work with tribal and local people to better understand the history of indigenous land.
—Matthew Des Lauriers, Ph.D.

Opportunities for Students

In CSUSB’s Anthropology program, lab courses give you the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and work side by side with faculty on hands-on projects. You’ll gain practical experience in courses such as:

  • Experimental Archaeology and Ethnoarchaeology
  • Human Osteology and Functional Anatomy
  • Forensic Anthropology
  • Museum Research and Exhibit Development
  • Community-Engaged Research

Similar to Anthropology

With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.

Anthropology
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