Apr 18, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Anthropology Major, B.A.


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Department of Sociology and Anthropology  

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): Online, In-Person, Hybrid  

About the Program


Anthropology studies human biological and cultural diversity through time and space. It encompasses all of humanity as well as our closest primate relatives, from the earliest prehistoric ancestors to the varied societies inhabiting the world today. The Anthropology Program at MSU Denver is committed to enhancing student knowledge and appreciation of human beings as both a biological and a cultural species. Emphasizing a holistic approach, the Anthropology Program offers courses in each of the four traditional subfields of anthropology (cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology) and provides students with effective conceptual and methodological tools for observing and studying both ancient and modern humans.

Student Outcomes


The MSU Denver Anthropology Program has the following student outcomes:

  1. Understand fundamental concepts - Describe fundamental concepts and approaches in anthropology.
  2. Analyze human diversity - Examine human diversity though time and space using anthropological theories, methods, and data.
  3. Engage critically - Implement anthropological skills, tools, and approaches toward professional, academic, and community engagement.

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements


The anthropology major requires a total of 36 semester hours, including the required core courses, practical courses, and electives listed below. The major also requires that students take an anthropology senior experience course. At least 12 upper-division semester hours in anthropology must be completed in residence at MSU Denver by students majoring in the field.

  • A total of 120 semester hours are required for graduation. 
  • Anthropology majors must receive a grade of C- or better in every class for which the credits count toward the major. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required. 
  • A minor is required for this program.

 

NOTE: All majors are required to see an anthropology advisor within two semesters of declaring anthropology as a major.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements  for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  

  • Written Communication (6 credits)
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

 

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


  • Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion. 
  • Many programs include courses that meet this requirement. Students should consult with their advisor to determine what program courses may fulfill this requirement.

Required Core Courses: 12 credits


Students are required to take the following four courses:

Practical Courses: 6 credits


Students are required to take 6 credits of lab- or field-based courses in anthropology. Examples of courses currently offered by the department at this level include the following courses:

Elective Courses: 15 credits


Students are required to take 15 semester hours of elective courses in anthropology. Examples of courses currently offered by the department include, but are not limited to, the following:

Senior Experience: 3 credits


Students are required to take one of the following anthropology senior experience courses. These courses may also count toward the practical course requirement if a student takes more than one.

Additional Course Offerings


In addition to the courses listed above, new classes may be developed as part of the permanent catalog offerings, and other courses that are appropriate for the major may be offered under the variable topics, omnibus, or internship headings. Please see an advisor for more information.

Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements 33 credits
ESSJ Requirement 0-3 credits
Major Requirements 12 credits
Practical Courses 6 credits
Elective Courses 15 credits
Senior Experience 3 credits
Minor and Unrestricted Electives 48-69 credits
Total for the Anthropology Major, B.A. 120 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

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