About the Program
Study human societies, cultures, behaviors, and their development over time. You will explore human diversity across different cultures, societies and historical periods, while developing critical thinking and analytical skills. Key learning areas include cultural, archaeological, biological and linguistic anthropology. Our program offers three subplans: General Anthropology, Applied Anthropology, and Archaeology. Each subplan offers unique perspectives on understanding human societies, with specialized focuses that cater to different career and research interests.
The Polytechnic Approach
Research and analyze archeological records to learn about civilizations throughout history, understand the sociocultural context of language, investigate the interrelationship of societies and their environment, and more. You can even conduct ethnographic research in the community, from posing a research question to a final conference presentation. When you graduate, you will have a deeper understanding of humankind and the research and critical thinking skills to succeed in your dream career.
Career Outcomes
Program Emphasis
Courses
The goal of anthropology is a complete understanding of the human species, from its origins several million years ago to the present, including all its current cultural and biological diversity. In the Anthropology program you will enroll in one of three subplans: General Anthropology, Archaeology, or Applied Anthropology. Through an integrated core of courses selected from all four of the major anthropological subfields (Sociocultural Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeology, and Linguistics), each of the subplans provides you with a broad understanding of the diverse subject matter of anthropology. Each subplan then diverges to provide additional training aimed toward better serving your individual specialty interests and career goals.
Anthropology Scholarships
Dr. Kun Chen Memorial Scholarship
A $500 scholarship for Anthropology majors in memory of CPP professor, the late Dr. Kun Chen. Dr. Kun Chen started teaching at Cal Poly Pomona in September 2011 after she received her Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. She instantly became one of the most popular professors among students. She loved her students and her colleagues. Her dissertation research on transnational Chinese entrepreneurs was a ground-breaking study bringing together issues in migration theory, cultural change, and emerging technologies.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Annie Danis is an interdisciplinary researcher and artist. She explores how archaeology can use new and alternative forms of mediation to engage contemporary communities, and how art can use an archaeological sensibility to deepen our understandings of the...Dr. Annie Danis Assistant Professor of Anthropology
Student Activities
Anthropological Society
The Anthropological Society serves to enhance student education, especially in preparation for graduate studies or professional employment, through community-level involvement and attendance at state, regional, and national professional conferences. The Anthropological Society functions to create student visibility within the immediate and professional communities; to encourage holistic and respectful cross-cultural ideals; and to initiate camaraderie among anthropology students. To learn more about the Anthropological Society, email the President, Nicole Sarabia.
