Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.A. in Anthropology
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Anthropology at Saint Mary's College offers a comprehensive exploration of the human experience across time and space. The program's core objective is to foster a deep appreciation for the diversity of human cultures and the interconnectedness of various societal systems. Students are encouraged to develop thoughtfulness and sensitivity in approaching cultural differences, while also examining their own lives within broader social and cultural contexts. The program provides a rigorous foundation in anthropological theory and methods, emphasizing their applicability both within academia and in various professional settings. Graduates emerge with enhanced critical thinking, reading, and writing skills, enabling them to confidently navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex, multicultural, and interdependent world.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Anthropology at Saint Mary's is designed to provide a broad yet deep understanding of the discipline's four subfields. Core courses typically include "Introduction to Cultural Anthropology," "Introduction to Biological Anthropology," "Introduction to Archaeology," and "Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology." Students then advance to more specialized topics, which may include "Anthropological Theory," "Ethnographic Methods," "Archaeological Field Methods," "Material Culture and Social Identity," "Anthropology of Race and Racism," "Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective," and regional studies like "Peoples and Cultures of Latin America" or "Native American Cultures." The program emphasizes hands-on learning, often incorporating laboratory components for biological anthropology and archaeology, and culminates in a significant original work of anthropological research, demonstrating mastery of the tools and knowledge gained.
Research Focus: The B.A. in Anthropology at Saint Mary's College places a strong emphasis on practical research and inquiry. Students are trained in rigorous anthropological methods, learning how to collect, analyze, and interpret empirical data from both laboratory and field settings. The curriculum explicitly develops skills in critical reading, writing, and thinking, essential for understanding and contributing to complex, multicultural issues. The culmination of study often involves creating an original work of anthropological research, which could stem from ethnographic fieldwork, archaeological analysis, or bioanthropological data interpretation. Faculty actively guide students through this research process, fostering independent thought and the ability to apply anthropological insights to contemporary social issues like human rights, cultural resource management, and social injustices.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College encourages industry engagement for its Anthropology students by highlighting the applicability of anthropological insights beyond academia. While direct "industry engagement" might not always be formalized internships within the core curriculum, the program emphasizes skills highly valued in various professional sectors. Anthropology graduates are adept at understanding human behavior, cultural dynamics, and social systems – skills crucial for roles in market research, human resources, public relations, international development, and community engagement. Faculty, with their diverse research and professional backgrounds, often connect students with real-world applications of anthropological theory. The program's focus on practical research methods, including field and digital techniques, further prepares students for roles in cultural resource management or museum work.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Anthropology at Saint Mary's College fundamentally embodies a global perspective. The discipline itself is inherently comparative and cross-cultural, studying human diversity across all time and space. The curriculum explicitly challenges students to "appreciate the great diversity of human cultures and the interrelatedness of economic, socio-political and religious systems" and to "approach cultural diversity with thoughtfulness and sensitivity." Courses often cover cultures from around the world, historical and contemporary, and explore global issues like human rights and sustainable development. Students are encouraged to understand how their own lives are affected by specific time and place, and how global interdependencies shape human experiences. This broad, inclusive approach prepares graduates to work effectively in multicultural environments and to address challenges with a nuanced, globally informed perspective.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
Graduates of Saint Mary's College of California's B.A. in Anthropology possess a unique and highly transferable skillset. Their training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and data analysis makes them adaptable and valuable in a wide range of professions.
Market Researcher/Consumer Insights Analyst: Applies ethnographic methods and cultural understanding to analyze consumer behavior, market trends, and product usability for businesses, helping them understand diverse customer segments.
Human Resources Specialist/Diversity Officer: Utilizes knowledge of human behavior, social dynamics, and cultural sensitivity to foster inclusive workplaces, manage employee relations, and develop effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within organizations.
Community Development Worker/Nonprofit Program Manager: Works with local or international communities to identify needs, design sustainable programs, and facilitate social change, leveraging strong cross-cultural communication and understanding of social systems.
Cultural Resource Management (CRM) Specialist/Archaeologist: Works for private firms, government agencies, or museums to identify, evaluate, and protect archaeological and historical sites, often requiring fieldwork and an understanding of regulatory compliance.
Museum Curator/Collections Manager: Researches, acquires, preserves, and interprets artifacts and exhibits in museums, using their knowledge of material culture, history, and diverse human societies.
Public Policy Analyst: Researches social issues, evaluates existing policies, and proposes new solutions for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations, applying an understanding of human behavior and societal impacts.
International Aid/Development Worker: Contributes to humanitarian efforts and sustainable development projects in various countries, requiring cultural sensitivity, problem-solving skills, and adaptability in diverse global contexts.
Foreign Service Officer (Diplomacy): Represents their country's interests abroad, requiring a deep understanding of international relations, cultural nuances, and effective cross-cultural communication, often within government service.
Journalist/Writer (Cultural/Social Focus): Researches and writes articles, documentaries, or reports on social issues, cultural phenomena, and human interest stories, using strong investigative and narrative skills to convey complex information.
Forensic Anthropologist (with graduate studies): Specializes in analyzing human skeletal remains to assist law enforcement in identifying individuals and determining cause of death, often requiring a master's or Ph.D. in forensic anthropology.
