Anthropology
Program Description
Food and feasts. Ancient pottery and stone tools. Fossil skeletons, marriage rituals, Machu Picchu, chimpanzees. These topics are united under the study of humans: anthropology. We study ancient and modern humans, and how they live.
Anthropology is actually four fields put together: biological/physical, cultural, archaeology, and linguistics. We examine skeletons for what they can tell us about diet, disease, and trauma; we look at cultures around the world to understand different religions, power structures, and personal lives. Archaeologists examine what is left behind: from small artifacts to large temple complexes. Linguistic anthropologists think about how language- the words we use, and the ways we speak- reflect and shape how we look at the world.
Anthropology shows us the value of human diversity in our cultures and in the way that we speak. In our bodies, and how we evolved, we are incredibly similar. Through a deeper understanding of our common humanity, we can tackle larger issues like race, sex, gender, religion, politics and economics. With this clearer lens, we begin to appreciate our great potential and obligation to empathize and help our fellow humans, thereby helping to build a better world for us all.
Transfer Preparation
MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
Contact Information
San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
John Torres, (951) 487-3654
jtorres@msjc.edu
Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Erik Ozolins (951) 639-5725
eozolins@msjc.edu
- Analyze the interrelationship between humans and their physical environment.
- Apply the principles of cultural relativism to observations of human behavior.
- Recognize the validity of people's variable language histories and experiences.
- Abstract meaning from the archaeological and fossil records.
- Relate Natural Selection to hominin evolution.
- Incorporate the scientific method in observations of human attributes (biology, behavior, language, artifacts).
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropologists and Archaeologists (B, M, D) | $62,982 | 192 |
| Museum Technicians & Conservators(B, M) | $57,292 | 187 |
| Social and Human Services Assistant (SM, A, B) | $45,840 | 8,444 |
| Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary (D) | $103,403 | 22,174* |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)
*All Postsecondary Teaching Positions