The Associate in Arts in Anthropology for Transfer degree provides a study of humankind around the world and throughout time, with the goal of understanding our evolutionary origins, our biological distinction as a species, and our diverse manifestations of culture. As such, it has the broadest scope of any of the social sciences. The Associate in Arts in Anthropology for Transfer degree includes basic introductory courses in cultural and physical anthropology as well as archaeology and aids in the seamless transfer to a California State University for completion of a baccalaureate degree in Anthropology or a similar major.

In addition to helping students meet general education and core requirements for transfer to an upper-level anthropology program, these courses are designed to help students understand the structure, processes, and functions of culture, the key theoretical approaches and insights that inform anthropology, and the role of anthropological theory and research methods in understanding cultures and societies. Further, a degree in anthropology provides the student with basic skills in critical analysis, application of the scientific method, and cross-cultural understanding.

With the goal of understanding people in all parts of the world, anthropology is useful to anyone living or working in a multicultural environment, such as the business world, health sciences, or any other profession which involves working with people from diverse backgrounds. The courses within this department are designed to provide students with survival skills for the global community in which we live, a community in which all of the world’s people are interdependent. Anthropologists with graduate degrees work in archaeological excavation, exploration, and museum management to the analysis of cultures, linguistics, forensics, primatology, teaching, and consulting with governmental and educational institutions.

This Associate in Arts in Anthropology for Transfer includes the following completion requirements:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General EducationBreadth Requirements.

(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

(3) A grade of “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” grade is not an acceptable grade for courses in the major.

Upon successful completion of this program students will be able to:

1. Collect, analyze, and interpret data using scientific methods and relevant theories as applied to the biological and cultural evolution of humans. (Institutional SLOs: Critical Thinking and Information Competency)
2. Utilize the precise and objective analysis of relevant data in formulating scientifi c generalizations to resolve problems associated with culture. (Institutional SLOs: Critical Thinking)
3. Communicate a respect for diversity in the evaluation of the nature and origins of culture as formed in various geographic environments. (Institutional SLOs: Communication, Ethics, and Personal Development)