Anthropology is the study of human cultural and biological variation and evolution. It is holistic discipline taking into consideration all aspects of human existence. Anthropology is divided into four major sub-fields: cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistics. The anthropology program at Texas State offers coursework and training in each of these areas. Graduates enter a wide range of professions including foreign affairs, journalism, education, medicine and medical research, health professions, human resources, academia, criminal justice, museum science, international business, and contract archaeology.

Anthropology majors may choose from two degree plans. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Anthropology is designed to prepare students for professional or graduate study in any or all four major sub-fields. An understanding of the world’s cultural and biological diversity is especially valuable in today’s global economy. The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Anthropology is specifically designed to expand the science training of students in physical anthropology and archaeology and prepare them for careers that may require or prefer a Bachelor of Science. Students pursuing either degree have the opportunity to participate in departmental field schools, archaeological excavations, and/or an internship program to support their educationn and career goals.

Bachelor of Arts with  Major in Anthropology (2008-2010 Catalog)
(Minimum required: 120 semester hours)

General Requirements:

1. A major in anthropology requires 32 semester hours of which 18 hours must be advanced courses.
2. Majors must select a minor from the approved list of minors in the degrees and programs section of this catalog.
3. Majors are required to complete ANTH 1312, 2414, 2415, and 4310 with a grade of “D” or higher.  ANTH 4310 is only offered in the spring.
4. Majors are required to achieve the following minimum grade point averages for graduation: Texas State GPA 2.00, major GPA 2.25, and minor GPA 2.00.
5. Nine hours of writing intensive (WI) courses are required for graduation, which can be completed by courses in the major, minor, or general education core curriculum (not including ENG 1310, 1320).
6. All students must complete a minimum of 36 advanced hours (3000- or 4000-level courses) as part of their degree.
7. The social science component of the core curriculum cannot be satisfied by the completion of ANTH 1312; majors must select an additional social science course from: ECO 2301, 2314, GEO 1310, PSY 1300, or SOCI 1310.
8. Majors must complete 6 hours of the same foreign language (2310 and 2320). Most students complete 1410 and 1420 as prerequisites before attempting 2310.
9. Majors must complete an additional science known as the BA science requirement. This course is in addition to the core curriculum natural science.
10. Majors may not receive more than six hours of credit in ANTH 4630 to satisfy Anthropology major requirements.
11. The minimum number of hours required for a degree is 120. The number of free elective hours a student will complete depends on the number of hours a student may need to achieve the 120 and/or the 36 advanced total hours required for a degree.
12. Students who complete an introductory physical anthropology and/or archeology course at another institution must have course(s) evaluated by the Chair of the Department before credit for ANTH 2414 and/or 2415 can be determined.