Anthropology

About the Program

Anthropology studies human beings from a holistic and cross-cultural perspective. Encompassing every aspect of human existence, the subject matter of anthropology is traditionally divided into four fields: biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology. A comparative science, its concerns include human genetic, cultural, and linguistic variation. Anthropologists uncover the prehistory of humanity as they help us to understand the problems of today. They are advocates of multiculturalism because they appreciate cultural diversity, an attribute which prepares them well for navigating the complexities of the 21st century world.

Career Opportunities

As modern technology and business practices dissolve borders across the globe, the demand for anthropologists grows. Anthropologists inform public policy, manage development projects, and work in the Foreign Service. They carry out market research, conduct public relations, and become journalists, urban planners, medical researchers, and park rangers. Anthropologists reveal the story of the past through genetic and archaeological research; they also use forensic science to aid law enforcement to determine the truths of today. Their skill set is applicable across a diverse set of research, development and policy-making opportunities throughout the corporate, non-profit, government and military sectors.

Transferability

Las Positas College offers an AA-T (Associate of Arts for Transfer) degree which guaratees junior status as an anthropology major upon admission to UC/CSU. All anthropology courses articulate as lower-division units to UC/CSU. 

The Ann & Phil Aines Memorial Anthropology Scholarship

We are grateful for the support of the Aines family, whose generous donation has enabled the Anthropology Program to offer two $1000 scholarships to anthropology students each year. Students must be enrolled full-time with a GPA of 3.5 and a minimum of four (4) units completed in anthropology.  Click here for link to the Scholarship Application and Instructions; applications are typically due in March.