BA in Anthropology - Cultural Resource Management, California State University, Bakersfield

48 Months

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About this course

This Bachelor of Arts program in Anthropology offers students a broad understanding of human biological and behavioral diversity, emphasizing an evidence-based holistic perspective on the human experience. The program encourages close collaboration with faculty and provides numerous opportunities for research, internships, and practical skills development. Students have the option to focus on the Cultural Resource Management (CRM) concentration, which prepares them specifically for careers in heritage management, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and applied anthropology. This concentration also aims to improve employability and facilitate advanced studies in the discipline.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is ideal for students interested in working with cultural heritage, archaeology, and historic preservation, especially considering the strong focus on practical skills and field training. The internship opportunities at the Southern San Joaquin Valley Archaeological Information Center and the Laboratory of Archaeological Sciences allow students to gain real-world experience. The curriculum's alignment with national and state heritage laws makes graduates highly competitive for roles in federal and state agencies or private firms. It also provides a good foundation for those considering graduate studies in anthropology.

Specialisation

The program includes a focused concentration in Cultural Resource Management, designed to enhance skills in heritage management laws, laboratory analysis, field training, and other applied skills relevant to the rapidly expanding CRM field. Students gain hands-on experience through coursework, internships at recognized archaeological and laboratory centers, and training in methodologies like stone tool analysis, osteology, and vertebrate faunal analysis.

Course fees

Application fees

15.93L

1st year tuition fees

15.93L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To earn the BA in Anthropology with a concentration in Cultural Resource Management, students need to complete a total of 120 units. The program includes general education, major-specific courses, and a capstone internship. Core prerequisites cover introductory archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, statistics, and research methods. Students also choose courses in Native American ethnography and history, plus specialized cadre courses in archaeological methods, lithic technology, and faunal analysis. An internship focused on field experience completes the program, along with additional units to meet graduation requirements.

English language test

IELTS

5.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Want to learn more about the admission process, eligibility criteria, and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the California State University, Bakersfield admission page for complete details.

Career prospects

Graduates are well-prepared for employment with federal and state agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Parks and Recreation, USDA Forest Service, and the National Park Service. Opportunities also exist with private environmental firms that work with federal and state regulations, especially under laws like the NHPA, NEPA, and CEQA. The program's emphasis on practical skills, internships, and collaboration significantly boosts graduates' competitiveness for these roles, and the program supports further studies in master's and doctoral programs.

FAQs

What practical skills will I gain from this program?

You will develop skills in field archaeology, laboratory analysis, and heritage management, including stone tool analysis, osteology, vertebrate faunal analysis, and GIS for natural sciences.

Are internships required?

Yes, students must complete a professional internship in archaeology through the Southern San Joaquin Valley Archaeological Information Center or the Laboratory of Archaeological Sciences.