Kent State University Catalog 2010 - 2011

Anthropology - B.A. and B.S.

COLLEGE:	College of Arts and Sciences
DEPARTMENT:	Department of Anthropology 226 Lowry Hall Tel: 330-672-4363 Web: http://www.kent.edu/cas/anthropology/index.cfm

Resources:

DESCRIPTION:	The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology focuses on the evolution of humans and their role in past and present environments. Anthropology’s relevance to other areas of study, including sociology, social-psychology, biology and pre-medicine, links it to culture area studies, community planning and public health. Majors in the biological aspect of human nature benefit greatly from the freshmen human evolution laboratory. The program also provides an excellent foundation for the studies of such cultures as Mesoamerica and the South Pacific. The Bachelor of Science in Anthropology consist of two concentrations in archeology and biological anthropology. Archaeology uses the scientific method to teach students about past human societies and their environment from a comparative perspective. The program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of archaeology and draws from geography, geology, mathematics and chemistry. The program features hands-on training using the latest technologies, including digital recording and mapping equipment, remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems. Regional areas of specialization include Mesoamerica and eastern North America. Biological Anthropology embodies the study of human evolution, teaching students about primate evolution, human origins and modern human variation, and the biological basis of human behavior. Biological anthropologists require primary training in chemistry and mathematics as well as the biological sciences such as ecology, zoology and evolution. The subject is also linked to pre-medicine and public health. Additionally, the new freshmen human evolution laboratory enhances the learning process in the biological aspect of human nature.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:	A degree in Anthropology will prepare you for working with people, regardless of the specific career. It may be a stepping stone to higher degrees and/or careers in law school, medicine, or education; it may serve as a final degree in human biology or behavior, or, it may be preparation for graduate school in anthropology. Regardless, a background with a strength in human cultural and biological diversity is a gateway to a variety of careers. A recent study of students graduating with a BA in Anthropology from a major eastern university found careers in a variety of disciplines (sales, public health, teaching K-12, law, marketing, social work, school administration, small business, medicine, family counseling) (Omohundro, 2001). Some of these individuals went on to higher degrees in other fields, others found careers after having completed their BA. About 75% of Anthropologists with Ph.Ds and some with Master of Arts degrees are teaching in colleges and universities (Omohundro, 2001). Many of those employed in academia also conduct research, often in foreign countries, but also in the U.S. (in cities, zoos, etc.). Since the 1980's employment in the non-academic sector has improved in volume and diversity with anthropologists employed in government positions (about 14%: such as the FBI, CIA, and EPA, and federally funded museums like the Smithsonian Institution), non-governmental positions (about 11%: for example conservation organizations – World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, Nature Conservancy, international relief organizations, the United Nations) and for-profit organizations (about 25%, for example, in state or county museums, zoos, coroner’s offices, contract archaeology companies, and self-employed consultants). Employment opportunities for MA professionals in archaeology are substantially greater than for the other subfields because of the greater opportunities for employment in the private sector. (Source: Omohundro, John T. 2001 Careers in Anthropology; Wadsworth's Anthropology Resource Center)
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:	General Admissions for Freshman Students: Students most likely to be admitted and succeed at the Kent Campus are those who have graduated with at least 16 units of the recommended college preparatory curriculum in high school, who have achieved a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and whose composite ACT score is 21 or better (980 combined critical reading and math SAT score). For more information on admissions, visit the Admissions website for new freshmen. General Admissions for Transfer Student:Generally, a transfer applicant who has taken 12 or more semester hours with a college cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted. An applicant who has taken fewer than 12 semester hours will be evaluated on both collegiate and high school records. For more information on admissions, visit the Admissions website for transfer students.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:	Minimum 121 total credit hours and 42 upper-division hours for graduation. Minimum 2.00 GPA overall and 2.00 GPA in major required for graduation.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:	Yes
PROGRAM FEE:	None
STUDY ABROAD/AWAY OPPORTUNITIES:	There are many Study Abroad/Away Opportunities, for more information contact the Office of International Affairs.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:	Anthropology Student Organization
GRADUATE PROGRAMS:	M.A. in Anthropology