Anthropology Department

Welcome to the SJSU Anthropology Department! We offer a range of degree programs for students seeking skills, experience, and knowledge that are in high demand in Silicon Valley--and beyond. We are also committed to providing students with one-on-one academic advising. Our department offers undergraduate degrees in Anthropology, Behavioral Science, and Organizational Studies. Anthropology courses emphasize ethnographic interviewing, qualitative research and data analysis, and critical thinking. Graduates from our programs have succeeded in obtaining rewarding careers in public, private, and non-profit organizations. We challenge students to be creative, to cooperate and collaborate in teams, and to do hands-on problem-solving. Our cutting-edge Master’s Degree in Applied Anthropology prepares students for careers ranging from design anthropology to cultural resource management. We invite you to browse our website to get a better sense of who we are, and to meet our students and award-winning faculty and staff. We hope you’ll experience the enthusiasm that motivates our department!

Three anthropology students

About Us

A talented group of people is the heart and soul of our department. Our experienced faculty and hard-working administrative staff are committed to providing the best educational experience, including advising, professional development, and innovative research opportunities. We're especially proud of our undergraduate and graduate students, who are an integral part of our department. 
MA graduate students

Undergrad Programs

Anthropology, Behavioral Science, and Organizational Studies majors develop a broad understanding of human behavior. Our minor degrees in Anthropology, Native American Studies, and Values, Technology & Science help students sharpen cultural awareness skills. Graduates pursue careers in human resources, social work, counseling, marketing, law enforcement, and much more!
M.A. Degree

M.A. Program

The M.A. in Applied Anthropology is designed to help students develop skills in applying or using anthropological knowledge which can be used across a wide range of careers. Specifically, its mission is to enable students to build on their knowledge of cultural anthropology, physical anthropology and archaeology to address real world problems and issues.
Student talking with an academic advisor

Student Resources

The Anthropology Department is dedicated to providing the best experience possible to our students. Our courses are designed to provide students with skills and abilities that can be applied to real-world problem solving. We provide one-on-one academic advising for all our undergraduate majors and minors, and graduate students. During the fall and spring semesters, we offer drop-in advising four days a week―no appointment necessary! Currently all advising is via Zoom. For GE advising, please visit the ACCESS Center. 
grants

Awards and Grants

The College of Social Sciences and the Anthropology Department are pleased to offer several grants in support of undergraduate and graduate research. 
Three anthropolgy students working on a dig

News

Read about the latest happenings and upcoming events the in the SJSU Anthropology Department.

Land acknowledgement

San José State University sits on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Ohlone, the Muwekma Ohlone, and other lineal descendants of the Verona Band of the greater Bay Area.