Associate of Arts - Anthropology - Transfer

Anthropology is an ambitious intellectual venture that examines the origin, development, and organization of humans from both a biological and behavioral perspective. As such, Anthropology is arguably the most comprehensive discipline to examine the framework of human existence.

The Anthropology Program at Santa Monica College not only introduces non-majors to the enormous breadth of anthropological inquiry but also prepares interested students for a career within the academic discipline. A diversified department provides the needed foundation to achieve these goals. In fact, Santa Monica College is recognized throughout the academic community as a leader in anthropological instruction.

Anthropologist is a general term for those who study human societies, both present and past. A Socio‐cultural Anthropologist may work in a field such as development, community organizing, policy analysis, and social research. Linguistic Anthropologists may work in the areas of intercultural communication, language revitalization, and literacy programs. An emphasis in Archaeology lends itself to work in one of many Federal and State agencies and private cultural resource management firms. Biological and Medical Anthropologists work in the growing sector of health related occupations and research. Consultants are employed in historical and ethnographic research, forensic work, archaeological survey and excavation, museums and teaching.

Upon successful completion of the Santa Monica College AA-T in Anthropology, the student will have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper-division baccalaureate study. This coursework will satisfy most of the lower-division Anthropology requirements at many institutions at both the UC and CSU university systems. This degree is intended for students who are interested in the theory of Anthropology and are planning on transferring to a four-year university and majoring in Anthropology.