2018-2019
Anthropology
College of Humanities and Sciences
Program description
The Bachelor of Science in Anthropology curriculum seeks to ensure that each student develops a solid foundation in the basic principles, theories and techniques of analysis. Since students majoring in anthropology vary in their interests and career goals, the curriculum allows for a great deal of flexibility developing individual courses of study. Students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in anthropology will usually take more than the minimum number of upper-level courses. The department provides opportunities for involvement in faculty research through its course offerings, which include independent study, internships and honors research.
Career opportunities
A degree in anthropology covers the cultural and biological diversity of humans, meaning you study both humanities and sciences, achieving a broad discipline that could lead to a variety of careers. Areas of interest include; community development, fundraising, International aid/development, local and state government, market research, museums and education centers. Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.
Bachelor-level job titles
- City and Regional Planning Aids
- Claims Examiner
- Community Health Worker
- Customer Service Representative
- Geographer Research Coordinator
- Historian
- Journalist
- Legal Assistant
- Mapping Technician
- Marketing Research Analyst
- Marketing Specialist
- Museum Curator
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- MATH 151
- STAT 210
Science required
- 1-2 additional science courses
Foreign language requirements
- Yes
Additional tuition/fees
- No
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- 2.25
Contact information
Department name:
School of World Studies
Building/room location:
312 North Shafer Street
Phone:
(804) 827-1111
Email:
info-sws@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
- Take ANTH 103/INTL 103 or ANTH 105/INTL 104.
- Take a foreign language through the 102 level.
- Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
- Attend supplemental instruction sessions.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
- Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs.
- Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations on campus.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
- Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs(OMSA) website for programs, events, and resources.
- Attend VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
- Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in field of study.
- Complete Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists to learn about opportunities.
- Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services.
- Discuss with your advisor and faculty how to gain experience through research assistantships.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with academic or career advisor.
- Explore Career Pathways on VCU Career Services’ website.
- Practice independent living skills (such as money management, self-care, time management, and personal responsibility).
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Complete two bridge courses from the following: ANTH 210, 220 or 230.
- Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA).
- Join the Anthropology club.
- Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
- Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Attend the SWS Student Research Conference and other International-related events.
- Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
- Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café!
- Consider short-term, semester and year long Study Abroad opportunities.
- Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Engage in an active process of career exploration via SWS programming (ongoing sequence of workshops) and via Career Services.
- Create a draft resume and come to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs throughout the year to explore your interests.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
- Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out the VCU alumni page in My Network.
- Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- See a SWS advisor at least once, each semester to discuss degree progression ad plans for elective coursework.
- Continue taking major courses and upper level requirements.
- Start developing your World ePass portfolio.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Create and complete an Anthropology related community-engaged research project.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Attend at least two or three public talks or other events advertised by the department.
- Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Take a course that links diversity to your field of study.
- Explore a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship programs through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
- Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
- Study abroad during summer or semester-length program.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Start research in preparation for presentation at the Student Research Conference.
- Explore internship opportunities at the various ANTH labs and anthropology field studies.
- Meet with a career adviser to discuss your career direction and create an action plan.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Based on career goals, talk to a career/academic advisor or a faculty member about whether graduate school or a job fits your career goals.
- Join job listserv sites that provide access to job postings in desired fields. Revisit gap analysis assessment and continue adjusting strategic career plan with Career Services.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
- Take ANTH 490 Senior Capstone.
- Add a research assistantship (WRLD 394) or internship (ANTH 493) into your academic course mix.
- Complete the World ePass portfolio by the middle of your final semester.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Consider jobs in the nonprofit sector.
- Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.
- Volunteer and take on a leadership role within a student organization that relates to Anthropology.
- Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Build your intercultural competence by engaging with international students on campus by becoming a conversation partner to an international student.
- Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
- Attend OMSA Tunnel of Oppression.
- Reflect on your own cultural competency and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Present at the Student Research Conference and Senior Symposium.
- ain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, externships and skill building.
- Take on a leadership role in a student organization or club or go deeper in your service opportunities.
- Volunteer in local museums or cultural resource management organizations. Network, network, network!
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Complete necessary exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for next steps beyond graduation.
- Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
2018-2019
Anthropology
College of Humanities and Sciences
Concentration(s):
No concentration
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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