BA in Anthropology

Do you wonder why human beings act the way they do? Why does human behavior vary so much across cultures and time? Did you know that even biology changes with culture? How do biology and culture relate to one another? How did people start living together and what do those early communities tell us about ourselves today? How and why did humans evolve? Are we still evolving?

Mason's anthropology degree is designed for students with interests like yours. In addition to explorations of cultures worldwide, our programs in archaeology and biological anthropology give you hands-on research experience with faculty through fieldwork in bioarchaeology, archaeology, and museum-based research. You are also able to take advantage of the rich cultural anthropological resources of the Washington DC area, including the Smithsonian museums. Our programs in cultural anthropology connect anthropological research to current social challenges such as health and disease, urbanization, militarization, and geopolitics. Students have interned at museums, non-profits, and in the federal government, including the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian and the US Department of Education.

Anthropology majors develop an eye for detail and careful observation, critical thinking, sensitivity to the unfamiliar, skills in research and writing, and an ability to describe and understand culture – an ability particularly valued in a globalized world.

Graduates are well prepared for a variety of careers in fields such as health and well-being, public policy, criminal justice and forensic anthropology, humanitarian action and international diplomacy, conservation, museum studies, public archaeology, advanced academic training, and research and development. Many of our students also end up in management positions, as educators, or in various life, physical, or social sciences.

Major Map

	First year	Middle years	Last year
Academics	Meet with your academic advisor at least once each semester Enroll in CHSS 100 or 101 if you're a new student, or choose CHSS 300 if you're a transfer student. These 1-credit courses are essential for a successful transition to George Mason University! Review AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, and transfer credits with your academic advisor to maximize your credits Prioritize Mason Core classes in the Foundation and Exploration categories Explore the sub-disciplines of anthropology: take the required introductory courses (ANTH 114, ANTH 120, ANTH 135- these are all Mason Core classes!) Take foreign language placement test, obtain a heritage language waiver, or register for language classes to meet intermediate proficiency. Make a connection with a professor- attend office hours!	Continue meeting with your advisor each semester to ensure you’re staying on track with your degree requirements Considering a double major or a minor? Meet with the undergraduate director to discuss which disciplines match with your career goals Enroll in Advanced Composition to meet degree requirements with a minimum grade of C, or submit a portfolio and take an exam to apply for an ENGH 302 waiver Discover the breadth of anthropology at Mason! Take upper-division classes across the sub-discipline—we offer a wide range of classes in cultural anthropology, archaeology and biological anthropology! Continue to build relationships with your instructors  Consider a Bachelors/Accelerated Masters (BAM) program	Work closely with your advisor to verify you are meeting your graduation requirements Make sure you have completed the methods requirement (ANTH 386 or ANTH 450, offered alternating fall terms) and the WI course (ANTH 490, offered each spring) Apply for graduation Working on independent research? Participate in the CHSS Research Symposium
Career and Professional Prep	Visit the Career Services Center - they can help identify potential career paths, build a resume, and begin to develop a professional persona Activate your Handshake profile to explore job and internship opportunities Explore events hosted by the Washington Association of Professional Anthropologists	Consider taking UNIV 420: College to Career or UNIV 421: College to Grad School Look for internship opportunities via University Career Services and Handshake If you find an anthropology-related internship, talk to the undergraduate director about enrolling in ANTH 495 to receive academic credit If archaeology is your area of interest, make plans to attend an archaeological field school—the undergraduate director can help identify appropriate options! Thinking about graduate school? Meet with your instructors and the undergraduate director to discuss how to position yourself for success Interested in gaining research experience? Many of our faculty engage students in the research process, and funding is potentially available through the OSCAR program! Consider participating in the Social Science Research Lab, a collaborative research group where undergraduate and graduate students learn and practice the skills of social science research in a team-based setting.	Applying for graduate school? Work with your faculty mentors to prepare a statement of purpose/goals statement, resume and/or CV Ask for letters of recommendation in a timely fashion (at least 1-2 months prior to the deadline!) Check out information on that could support your graduate education Interested in applied anthropology? Check out the National Association of Professional Anthropologists for professional development opportunities, job listings, etc.
Experiences	Attend a CHSS LinkUp event in your first year to connect with alumni and explore career paths through networking sessions held virtually or on campus Join Mason’s Anthropology Club and explore other student groups and events on Mason 360 Thinking about studying abroad? Attend an info session with the Global Education Office or consider a semester at Mason Korea Take public transportation to DC and explore the Smithsonian museums that may be of particular interest to anthropology majors include the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of the American Indian	Become an officer in the Anthropology Club Considering becoming a CHSS Ambassador Continue exploring area museums like the Alexandria Archaeology Museum (they also offer volunteer opportunities!) Attend lectures and events hosted by Mason’s research institutes, including the Center for Social Science Research and the Institute for the Sustainable Earth	Considering attending an academic conference: For cultural anthropology, the American Anthropological Association (held each fall) For biological anthropology, the Association for Biological Anthropologists (held each spring) For archaeology, the Society for American Archaeology (held each spring)

Opportunities

All students have opportunities to

conduct independent research
engage in globally-related activities through coursework and language study at Mason and abroad
participate in many forms of public service
prepare for their future careers through internships, career-focused minors and other college-to-career activities

Undergraduate research/ experience:

Mason Summer Entrepreneurship Accelerator (MSEA): https://startup.gmu.edu/msea-mason-summer-entrepreneurship-accelerator
Patriot Green Fund: https://green.gmu.edu/patriot-green/how-to-apply-for-funds/
Classroom to Makers: http://makers.onmason.com/c2mw/

Tags:

Anthropology