Anthropology

Transfer Degree
Cost
$11,342*

Understand the human experience

Whether you want to study real human skeletons or learn about human identity through the lens of common connections, an Associate in Arts in Anthropology introduces you to all of these possibilities.

Anthropology is the study of human similarities and differences in all times and in all places. It involves the study of biology, culture and society, language and the influence of the environment.

You learn to observe, question and apply your learnings in forensics, archeology and even the tech industry to expand our understanding of the world.

What can you do with an A.A. in Anthropology?

An Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Anthropology reveals the forces that shape human experience are not about what you find, but what you find out. This investigation can happen in a Central American rainforest, the archives of a museum or a classroom down the street.

With additional education, you can have a career in:

  • academia and research
  • historic preservation and museums
  • international development and aid
  • law  
  • healthcare

Start right away with your associate degree in roles such as:

  • archaeological technician
  • humanitarian aid worker
  • census field representative
  • data entry

Highlights

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Transfer Degree

    Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ANT 121

    ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
         		3
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    BIO 120

    BIO 120 Environmental Biology

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
         		4
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ANT 121
      Course Title

      ANT 121 Introduction to Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to the nature of humans and their development and relationship to the physical, social, and cultural environments both past and present. This course surveys the major fields of anthropology: physical anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, and archaeology, with an emphasis on non-Western cultures and underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 120
      Course Title

      BIO 120 Environmental Biology

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses for BIO 120 and PSY 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    ANT 221

    ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
         		3
    MTH 142

    MTH 142 General Education Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
         		3
    PHI 121

    PHI 121 Introduction to Philosophy

    Class Description

    This course discusses the ideas of major philosophers concerning questions of human knowledge, moral values, political and social philosophy, and identity. Students are encouraged to think through their own theories about these important topics. Students explore philosophical issues focused on human identity, human nature, and the human condition at the intersections of contemporary social issues.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ANT 221
      Course Title

      ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 142
      Course Title

      MTH 142 General Education Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ?squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 121
      Course Title

      PHI 121 Introduction to Philosophy

      Class Description

      This course discusses the ideas of major philosophers concerning questions of human knowledge, moral values, political and social philosophy, and identity. Students are encouraged to think through their own theories about these important topics. Students explore philosophical issues focused on human identity, human nature, and the human condition at the intersections of contemporary social issues.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of MTH 142 and PHI 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ANT 228

    ANT 228 Applied Anthropology

    Class Description

    Applied anthropology emphasizes the use of anthropological theories, methods, concepts, techniques, and information to understand and solve real world problems. Specifically, this course explores the relevance of Anthropology to development issues and to address its use in various career fields. Applied anthropology will explore problems affecting local communities both here and abroad that are a result of globalization and cultural change.
         		3
    ANT 224

    ANT 224 Introduction to Archaeology

    Class Description

    This course is a survey of the concepts, principles, and methods essential to the archaeological study of past cultures. Topics include field methods, chronological dating, artifact analysis, ethics, theory, and the reconstruction of culture history.
         		3
    ART 121

    ART 121 Introduction to Art

    Class Description

    This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
         		3
    ESC 120

    ESC 120 Earth Science

    Class Description

    This course is designed for students who are interested in physical features related to our dynamic earth. There are four disciplines that make up the course: geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Topics covered within these disciplines include: volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, geologic history, geomorphology, chemical and physical oceanography, changing oceans, the atmosphere and moisture, weather systems, severe storms, modern astronomy, the Moon, the solar system, and beyond the solar system. Course materials are organized to enable students to understand how different components of our dynamic earth are related to one another. Each topic includes hands-on lab exercises.
         		4
    ITL 121

    ITL 121 Beginning Italian I

    Class Description

    An introduction to the Italian language. The course develops basic skills in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, and oral and written communication within the context of Italian culture.
         		4
    • Course Code ANT 228
      Course Title

      ANT 228 Applied Anthropology

      Class Description

      Applied anthropology emphasizes the use of anthropological theories, methods, concepts, techniques, and information to understand and solve real world problems. Specifically, this course explores the relevance of Anthropology to development issues and to address its use in various career fields. Applied anthropology will explore problems affecting local communities both here and abroad that are a result of globalization and cultural change.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ANT 224
      Course Title

      ANT 224 Introduction to Archaeology

      Class Description

      This course is a survey of the concepts, principles, and methods essential to the archaeological study of past cultures. Topics include field methods, chronological dating, artifact analysis, ethics, theory, and the reconstruction of culture history.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ART 121
      Course Title

      ART 121 Introduction to Art

      Class Description

      This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ESC 120
      Course Title

      ESC 120 Earth Science

      Class Description

      This course is designed for students who are interested in physical features related to our dynamic earth. There are four disciplines that make up the course: geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. Topics covered within these disciplines include: volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, geologic history, geomorphology, chemical and physical oceanography, changing oceans, the atmosphere and moisture, weather systems, severe storms, modern astronomy, the Moon, the solar system, and beyond the solar system. Course materials are organized to enable students to understand how different components of our dynamic earth are related to one another. Each topic includes hands-on lab exercises.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ITL 121
      Course Title

      ITL 121 Beginning Italian I

      Class Description

      An introduction to the Italian language. The course develops basic skills in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, and oral and written communication within the context of Italian culture.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of ART 121 and ESC 120. Students also can also choose any foreign language based on interest.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ANT 222

    ANT 222 Introduction to Physical Anthropology

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory survey of basic concepts, theories, and information addressing physical anthropology. Specifically, this course explores human origins, primate and human fossil records, population genetics, human adaptation and variation, and humankind's place in the world ecology.
         		3
    ANT 240

    ANT 240 Anthropological Field Methods

    Class Description

    (Formerly ANT 226) This course is an introduction to the field techniques of a select anthropological sub field, and includes instruction in research design, project planning, data collection, and report preparation. Field Methods will be conducted at an approved location, such as an archaeological site or an ethnographic setting. The course will involve completing a variety of supervised field tasks, and will be complemented by lectures and discussion. Prerequisite: Department Consent
         		2
    BIO 149

    BIO 149 Genetics and Society

    Class Description

    This course examines cell structure and function, the nature of the gene, cell division (mitosis vs. meiosis), Mendelian genetics, hereditary disorders, recombinant DNA technology, the genetic evidence supporting evolution, and ethical issues that arise due to our increased knowledge and technology as it relates to genetics.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    ITL 122

    ITL 122 Beginning Italian II

    Class Description

    This course continues to develop the basic skills introduced in ITL 121: pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, and oral and written communication within the context of Italian culture.
         		4
    • Course Code ANT 222
      Course Title

      ANT 222 Introduction to Physical Anthropology

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory survey of basic concepts, theories, and information addressing physical anthropology. Specifically, this course explores human origins, primate and human fossil records, population genetics, human adaptation and variation, and humankind's place in the world ecology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ANT 240
      Course Title

      ANT 240 Anthropological Field Methods

      Class Description

      (Formerly ANT 226) This course is an introduction to the field techniques of a select anthropological sub field, and includes instruction in research design, project planning, data collection, and report preparation. Field Methods will be conducted at an approved location, such as an archaeological site or an ethnographic setting. The course will involve completing a variety of supervised field tasks, and will be complemented by lectures and discussion. Prerequisite: Department Consent
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 149
      Course Title

      BIO 149 Genetics and Society

      Class Description

      This course examines cell structure and function, the nature of the gene, cell division (mitosis vs. meiosis), Mendelian genetics, hereditary disorders, recombinant DNA technology, the genetic evidence supporting evolution, and ethical issues that arise due to our increased knowledge and technology as it relates to genetics.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ITL 122
      Course Title

      ITL 122 Beginning Italian II

      Class Description

      This course continues to develop the basic skills introduced in ITL 121: pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening comprehension, and oral and written communication within the context of Italian culture.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of ANT 240, BIO 149 and HUM 127. Students also can choose any foreign language based on interest.

Total Credit Hours

62

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Start at CLC and continue with a 4-year school to earn your bachelor's degree. CLC has partnerships with many colleges and universities, covering a wide range of programs.

Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.


Female student taking notes in class

Anthropology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

An Associate in Arts in anthropology is just one possible way to study Education and Social Sciences. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Anthropology Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!
1/4