anthro

Anthropology, BA

Anthropologists study cultures — both tribal and urban, current and past — looking specifically at how a culture’s use of art, language and traditions as well as its behavioral and biological features make them human.

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Program Intro

CBU’s program focuses on how anthropology can be applied in the real world to solve actual, human problems. Our faculty are skilled, experienced anthropologists who will ready students for careers and graduate degrees, and we also offer internships to provide the experience needed to work in the field.

53 Units

*50-53 Units

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7 Concentrations
17 Required Major Courses

*16-17 courses, depending on chosen concentration

Why Study Anthropology at CBU?

Gain a holistic view of human behavior

Students learn traditional anthropology application and research methods in a distinctly Christian program, considering the human as physical, psychological and spiritual. We do not compromise the discipline but include a distinct faith element which helps us more clearly understand human behavior from a creation perspective.

Be mentored by experienced anthropologists

Our faculty are skilled, experienced anthropologists who are dedicated to students’ academic and professional success. They spend time with students one-on-one and partner with them for activities and learning through the Anthropology Club. We absolutely love our students. We are able to invest in them individually because we are a small major and our classes are mostly discussion based.

Work in the field

We have just begun a unique partnership with the Riverside Metropolitan Museum where our students will work with them exclusively to redesign their museum in the coming years while learning about museum studies and artifact preservation. We often go to anthropology-discipline specific conventions all over the U.S. and sometimes in Canada.

What You'll Learn

Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology will demonstrate the following:

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Program Details

ANT 430: Culture and Personality

This course focuses on the interaction between personal patterns of behavior and social influences, paying particular attention to media influence and a history of social and psychological perspectives.

ANT 460: Religion and Culture

This course examines an anthropological approach to religion and magic, and its relationship to symbolism, myths, sacred spaces, and rituals.

ANT 450: Family and Gender Studies

Focusing on a diversity of family systems, both modern and historic, students will explore the tangible roles family and gender play in everyday life throughout the world. 

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  • Cultural Anthropology Concentration
  • Psychological Anthropology Concentration
  • Forensic Psychology Concentration (Optional)
  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology Concentration (Optional)
  • Life Span Development Concentration (Optional)
  • Medical Anthropology Concentration (Optional)
  • Sports Psychology Concentration (Optional)

Julie Goodman-Bowling, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Anthropology
Chair, Division of Family & Culture in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences; Program Coordinator, Anthropology

Office Phone: 951-343-4468
E-mail: jgoodman@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: James 139

H. Bruce Stokes, PhD

Professor of Behavioral Science
Major Representative, Behavioral Sciences and Christian Behavioral Sciences

Office Phone: 951-343-4269
E-mail: hbstokes@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: W.E. James Building, Room 133

Becca Shoup

I am a middle school Spanish teacher and every day I interact with students, parents, and teachers from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and I truly believe I have more empathy and understanding with them because of my years studying anthropology at CBU.

Becca Shoup '17
Middle School Spanish Teacher

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Keren Sandoval

I feel that my whole life has changed and I have grown in every aspect. I was able to land the job I have now thanks to my behavioral science background so I am glad that I am able to put my BA to good use.

Keren Sandoval '17
Child Counselor, All God's Children Group Home

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Career Possibilities

Employment of anthropologists and archaeologists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Anthropology majors can also apply their field of study to a variety of other careers. Some careers listed below may require further education.

  • Relief and Development Worker
  • Ethnologist
  • Travel Writer
  • International Business Consultant
  • International Business Liaison
  • Market Researcher
  • Cross-Cultural Facilitator
  • Anthropologist
  • Teacher
  • Urban Planner
  • Tourism or Heritage Worker
  • Medical Field Worker

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Next Steps

Join our community. At CBU, you’ll be challenged to become an individual whose skills, integrity, and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish you in the world.