WHY STUDY ANTHROPOLOGY?

Studies in anthropology are particularly valuable for students planning careers in which an understanding of human behavior and cultural diversity is essential. Students regularly go on to pursue careers in fields such as medicine, public health, nursing, law, education, business, architecture, urban planning, and social welfare. Because of its breadth of outlook, anthropology also offers an ideal basis for those seeking a strong general education in an increasingly interdependent and multicultural world.

The Anthropology departments offer two majors (B.A. and B.S. degrees) and a minor in Anthropology. 

BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.) DEGREE

Note: The requirements below are effective starting Fall 2009.  Students who declared the Anthro. B.A. major prior to Fall 2010 should consult with Anthropology counselor regarding their specific requirements. 

The major is designed for students interested in an anthropological understanding of human behavior. One of the strengths of anthropology is its cross-cultural "holistic" and integrative approach with many fields, such as biology, history, linguistics, the social sciences, and many of the humanities.

All courses for the major must be taken for a letter grade, and students must maintain an overall 2.0 grade-point average.

Transfer Students

To be admitted as Anthropology B.A. majors, transfer students with 90 or more units must complete as many of the following introductory courses as possible prior to admission to UCLA: one human evolution course, one archaeology course, one sociocultural anthropology course, and one culture and communication course.

Required: Anthropology 7, 8, 9, and 33.

The Major- 11 upper division courses (44 units)

One (1) course from each of the following Anthro subfields:

·         Archaeology (any 110’s)

·         Biological (any 120’s, or 185A, or 186P)

·         Linguistic (any 140’s)

·         Regional Cultures & Societies (any 170’s or see list on major checklist)

·         Methods (see list on major checklist)

·         History or Theory (any 180’s or see list on major checklist)

Two (2) courses in Sociocultural Anthro (130’s &/or 150’s)

Three (3) elective courses (any Anthro UD course)

Major and minor checklists are available in the Anthropology office. 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) DEGREE

Note: The requirements below are effective starting Fall 2010.  Students who declared the Anthro. B.S. major prior to Fall 2010 should consult with Anthropology counselor regarding their specific requirements. 

All courses for the major must be taken for a letter grade, and students must maintain an overall 2.0 grade-point average.

Preparation for the Major

Required: Anthropology 7, 8, 9, and 33; Chemistry and Biochemistry 14A, 14B, 14BL, 14C, and 14CL, or 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, and 30AL; Life Sciences 1, 2, 3, 4; Mathematics 3A, 3B, and 3C, or 31A and 31B; Physics 6A, 6B, and 6C; Statistics 12. 

The Major- 9 upper division courses (36 units)

One (1) course from each of the following Anthro subfields:

·         Archaeology (any 110’s)

·         Biological (any 120’s, or 185A, or 186P)

·         Linguistic (any 140’s)

·         Regional Cultures & Societies (any 170’s or see list on major checklist)

·         History or Theory (any 180’s or see list on major checklist)

Two (2) courses in Sociocultural Anthro (130’s &/or 150’s)

Two (2) elective courses (any Anthro UD course)

Major and minor checklists are available in the Anthropology office. 

ANTHROPOLOGY MINOR

About the Minor
Students who wish to take a series of courses in anthropology, but major in another discipline, may be interested in the Anthropology minor. Students select courses from the four fields within anthropology (archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, sociocultural anthropology), although they are encouraged to focus the body of their coursework within one field.

Minor requirements
Required Lower Division Courses: Two courses from Anthropology 7, 8, 9, or 33.

Required Upper Division Courses:  5 UD Anthropology courses from any field

All courses for the minor must be taken for a letter grade, and students must maintain an overall 2.0 grade-point average.

Major and minor checklists are available in the Anthropology office. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

How do I declare Anthropology major or minor?

Students who wish to declare the Anthropology major or minor should meet with the undergraduate advisor during drop-in hours to discuss major/minor.

The Anthropology course I took is not showing up on my DPR under my major requirements.  What do I do?

If the Anthropology course you took is not showing up on your DPR under the correct Anthropology requirement, you will need to fill out a student petition form to request the course be applied to the correct requirement category.

Can I receive credit for my Anthropology major or minor on my study abroad program?

Students who wish to receive credit for their Anthropology major or minor through a study abroad program will need to petition for credit using a student petition form.  Students should consult with the Anthropology undergraduate advisor prior to going abroad to discuss courses and requirements.