Anthropology

Degrees and Programs

The Anthropology Program Goals

To provide students with a clear conception of human variability and its implications, enabling them to understand and deal with lifestyles other than those of Mainstream America.
To provide students with the broad intellectual skills that are essential to the widest range of professional careers.
To provide students who wish to pursue a professional career in anthropology with a thorough preparation for graduate work in major doctoral programs.

Undergraduate Degree

The Department offers a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology. Both the Anthropology major and minor offer a varied but well-structured exposure to all four subfields of the discipline. The major consists of two parts.

The core curriculum introduces both data and theory in a logical sequence of courses from basic to advanced and includes an introduction to Anthropological fieldwork. The four degree tracks are intended to prepare students for specific careers in the following areas: education, cultural resources management, social services, or post-secondary teaching. The minor is a briefer but balanced survey of the discipline, designed to complement any major whose graduates need to understand and deal with people from different cultural backgrounds.

The new Asian American and Asian Studies Degree Program offers a minor with classes that focus upon the history and contemporary experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. These courses explore themes in local and ethnic history, trans-Pacific contact, cultural change and adaptation, and interethnic relations. Courses in Asian American Studies familiarized students with the historical, socioeconomic, and cultural adaptations that peoples from Asia make when coming to the United States. Students can also use the "Special Major" option to design a degree in Asian American Studies. Students work directly with the Co-Coordinators of the Program, and an Academic Advisor in another field to design a combination of classes that help students to successfully complete their "Special Major."

A strong background in ethnic studies is a significant advantage in many occupational fields, especially in an increasingly multicultural society. The Asian American Studies minor complements any major dealing with human behavior, including business, social science, education, international relations, and the human and health services professions.

Starting in the fall 2025, Fresno State became the 32th program nationally to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Asian American and Asian Studies, which combines two fields of study into a single degree.

This 45-unit major examines the historical and contemporary experiences of Asians both in their home countries and after immigrating to the United States.

Curriculum includes interdisciplinary courses on topics such as Asian American history, literature, gender, politics, and contemporary issues. It is designed to prepare students for careers in fields such as social work, psychology, public health, counseling, law, and education. It is also for personal and community development.

Degree Minor Information

Asian American Studies

The Asian American Studies Program offers a minor with classes that focus upon the history and contemporary experience of Asians in the United States. These courses explore themes in local and ethnic history, trans-Pacific contact, cultural change and adaptation, and interethnic relations. Those who major in business, social science, international relations, and the human service professions recognize their relevance.

For assistance, please contact the ASAM Coordinator: Dr. Jenny Banh, jenbanh@mail.fresnostate.edu

Certificate in Asian Studies