Anthropology

Ever wonder what makes us human? Anthropology helps us understand all aspects of the human experience from our primate roots to the development of societies, religion, and language.

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

Anthropology is the study of the organization, behavior, and development of the human species. Anthropology focuses on the acquisition of knowledge through use of the scientific method, allowing students to explain evolutionary theory in light of the human fossil record, analyze the relationship between modern humans and non-human primates, and objectively evaluate non-western customs and beliefs.

Physical anthropology examines the fossil remains of ancestral humans and the behavior of primates in order to construct theories of how and why human beings have evolved.

Cultural anthropology is concerned with the basic structures of human cultures, particularly with regard to subsistence strategies, social organization, language, religion, and political and economic systems.

Students who major in Anthropology often have careers in social work, international affairs, teaching, politics, public health, and journalism.

Program Length

This program can be completed in two years.

Transfer Options

IVC’s Anthropology for Transfer, AA-T, helps students transfer to the CSU system. We encourage you to speak to one of our Anthropology instructors, or an IVC Academic Counselor, to help you plan a degree path that is right for your goals.

Program Specific Support

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

Fast Track Career Path

AA CSU Transfer UC Transfer

This is only a sample academic plan. Some UC majors may have additional required or recommended courses for transfer. Please see a counselor and check ASSIST.org to create a customized academic plan that will best meet your specific educational goals.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/Major	Units
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	1A	4
STAT C1000 (MATH 10)*	Introduction to Statistics	2 & Major	3
ANTH 2 or 2H	Cultural Anthropology	4 & Major	3
ARTS	Arts GE Course	3A	3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	UC Transfer Elective		3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/Major	Units
ENGL C1001 (WR 2)	Critical Thinking and Writing	1B	4
ANTH 1 or 1H	Introduction to Physical Anthropology	5B & Major	3
ANTH 1 LAB	Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lab	5C	1
COMM C1000 (COMM 1)	Introduction to Public Speaking	1C	3
HUMANITIES	Humanities GE Course	3B	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/Major	Units
ANTH 9	Introduction to Archeology	4 & Major	3
PHYSICAL SCIENCE	Physical Science GE Course	5A	3
ETHNIC STUDIES	Ethnic Studies GE Course	6	3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	UC Transfer Elective		3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	UC Transfer Elective		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/Major	Units
ANTH 3	Culture and Language	4 & Major	3
SOC & BEH SCIENCE	Social and Behavior Sciences GE Course (Non-ANTH)	4	3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	UC Transfer Elective		3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	UC Transfer Elective		3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	UC Transfer Elective		3

Students can take STAT C1000 (MATH 10) or any other math course that meets Cal-GETC GE Area 2

This is only a sample academic plan. Some CSU majors may have additional required or recommended courses for transfer. Please see a counselor, check ASSIST.org, and check IVC's catalog to create a customized education plan that will best meet your specific educational goals.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	UNITS
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	1A	4
STAT C1000 (MATH 10)*	Introduction to Statistics	2 & Major	3
ANTH 2 or 2H	Cultural Anthropology	D & Major	3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	CSU Transferable Elective		4-5

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	UNITS
ENGL C1001 (WR 2)	Critical Thinking GE Course	1B	4
COMM C1000 (COMM 1)	Introduction to Public Speaking	1C	3
HIST 20 or HIST 21	American.History Course	3B	3
ARTS	Arts GE Course	3A	3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	CSU Transferable Elective		3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	UNITS
ANTH 9	Introduction to Archeology	4 & Major	3
MAJOR COURSE	Anthropology AA-T Major Courses	Major	3-4
MAJOR COURSE	Anthropology AA-T Major Courses	Major	3-4
ANTH 1 or 1H	Introduction to Physical Anthropology	5B & Major	3
ANTH 1 LAB	Introduction to Physical Anthropology Lab	5C	1
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	CSU Transferable Elective		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	UNITS
ANTH 3	Culture and Language	D & Major	3
MAJOR COURSE	Anthropology AA-T Major Course	Major	3-4
POLS C1000 (PS 1)	American Government	4	3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	CSU Transferable Elective		3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	CSU Transferable Elective		3

Students can take STAT C1000 (MATH 10) or any other math course that meets Cal-GETC GE area 2
*IVC and CSU students who maintained continuous enrollment before Fall 2025 may continue following the CSU GE or IGETC GE pattern or choose to complete Cal-GETC, though it is not required. However, new students starting in Fall 2025, as well as students from UC, in-state private institutions, or out-of-state institutions, must complete Cal-GETC. To see the list of approved courses by catalog year for CSU GE, IGETC, and Cal-GETC, visit www.assist.org.

*IVC and CSU students who maintained continuous enrollment before Fall 2025 may continue following the CSU GE or IGETC GE pattern or choose to complete Cal-GETC, though it is not required. However, new students starting in Fall 2025, as well as students from UC, in-state private institutions, or out-of-state institutions, must complete Cal-GETC. To see the list of approved courses by catalog year for CSU GE, IGETC, and Cal-GETC, visit www.assist.org.

This is only a sample academic plan. Please see a counselor and check IVC's catalog to create a customized academic plan that will best meet your specific educational goals.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	UNITS
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	1A	4
MATH	Math GE Course	2	3-5
ANTH 2 or 2H	Cultural Anthropology	4 & Major	3
LIFELONG HEALTH*	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	8 A/B/C	2-3
ELECTIVE	Degree Applicable Elective		3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	UNITS
CRITICAL THINKING	Critical Thinking GE Course	1C	3-4
COMM C1000 (COMM 1)	Communication Fundalmentals	1B	3
ANTH 1 or 1H	Introduction to Physical Anthropology	5 & Major	3
MAJOR COURSE	Anthropology Major Course from List A	Major	3
ETHNIC STUDIES	Ethnic Studies GE Course	6	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	UNITS
ANTH 3	Culture and Language	4 & Major	3
MAJOR COURSE	Anthropology Major Course from List A	Major	3
HUMANITIES	Humanities GE Course	3B	3
AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS	American Institutions GE Course	7	3
ELECTIVE	Degree Applicable Elective		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	UNITS
ANTH 9	Introduction to Archeology	Major	3
MAJOR COURSE	Anthropology Major Course from List A	Major	3
ARTS/LANGUAGES	Arts and Languages GE Course	3A	3
LIFELONG HEALTH*	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	8 A/B/C	3
ELECTIVE	Degree Applicable Elective		3

*Take one course from two different categories among GE areas 8A, 8B, and 8C. Please refer to the AA GE pattern for details.

*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.

Explore Careers

Compliance Managers

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
9%

Certificate
7%

Some College
1%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
63%

Master's Degree
14%

View Career

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

New workers start around $41,995. Normal pay is $89,763 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $222,412.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
9%

Certificate
7%

Some College
1%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
63%

Master's Degree
14%

Core Tasks

Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required.
Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation.
Discuss emerging compliance issues to ensure that management and employees are informed about compliance reporting systems, policies, and practices.
File appropriate compliance reports with regulatory agencies.
Maintain documentation of compliance activities, such as complaints received or investigation outcomes.
Consult with corporate attorneys as necessary to address difficult legal compliance issues.
Provide employee training on compliance related topics, policies, or procedures.
Conduct or direct the internal investigation of compliance issues.
Serve as a confidential point of contact for employees to communicate with management, seek clarification on issues or dilemmas, or report irregularities.
Verify that all regulatory policies and procedures have been documented, implemented, and communicated.
Prepare management reports regarding compliance operations and progress.
Disseminate written policies and procedures related to compliance activities.
Conduct periodic internal reviews or audits to ensure that compliance procedures are followed.
Keep informed regarding pending industry changes, trends, or best practices.
Advise internal management or business partners on the implementation or operation of compliance programs.
Monitor compliance systems to ensure their effectiveness.
Direct the development or implementation of policies and procedures related to compliance throughout an organization.
Design or implement improvements in communication, monitoring, or enforcement of compliance standards.
Provide assistance to internal or external auditors in compliance reviews.
Collaborate with human resources departments to ensure the implementation of consistent disciplinary action strategies in cases of compliance standard violations.

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Median Salary

$105,781

Job Growth

+15%

Education

Master's Degree
16%

Doctoral or More
84%

View Career

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

New workers start around $54,178. Normal pay is $105,781 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $222,530.

Education

Master's Degree
16%

Doctoral or More
84%

Core Tasks

Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.
Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.
Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
Consult with or provide consultation to other doctors, therapists, or clinicians regarding patient care.
Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing individuals, couples, or families and by reviewing records.
Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals' intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.
Advise clients on how they could be helped by counseling.
Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
Consult with other professionals, agencies, or universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources or techniques, and to share occupational information.
Refer clients to other specialists, institutions, or support services as necessary.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant research.
Consult reference material, such as textbooks, manuals, or journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, or develop approaches to treatment.
Observe individuals at play, in group interactions, or in other contexts to detect indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior, or maladjustment.
Provide consulting services, including educational programs, outreach programs, or prevention talks to schools, social service agencies, businesses, or the general public.
Provide occupational, educational, or other information to individuals so that they can make educational or vocational plans.

Median Salary

$105,781

Job Growth

+15%

Geographers

Median Salary

$89,452

Job Growth

+19%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
43%

Master's Degree
35%

Doctoral or More
22%

View Career

Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.

New workers start around $57,127. Normal pay is $89,452 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $136,500.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
43%

Master's Degree
35%

Doctoral or More
22%

Core Tasks

Create and modify maps, graphs, or diagrams, using geographical information software and related equipment, and principles of cartography, such as coordinate systems, longitude, latitude, elevation, topography, and map scales.
Analyze geographic distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, or global scales.
Write and present reports of research findings.
Gather and compile geographic data from sources such as censuses, field observations, satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and existing maps.
Teach geography.
Study the economic, political, and cultural characteristics of a specific region's population.
Collect data on physical characteristics of specified areas, such as geological formations, climates, and vegetation, using surveying or meteorological equipment.
Locate and obtain existing geographic information databases.
Conduct field work at outdoor sites.
Provide geographical information systems support to the private and public sectors.
Develop, operate, and maintain geographical information computer systems, including hardware, software, plotters, digitizers, printers, and video cameras.
Provide consulting services in fields such as resource development and management, business location and market area analysis, environmental hazards, regional cultural history, and urban social planning.

Median Salary

$89,452

Job Growth

+19%

Postsecondary Anthropology and Archeology Teachers

Median Salary

$105,266

Job Growth

+10%

Education

Master's Degree
4%

Doctoral or More
96%

View Career

Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

New workers start around $55,964. Normal pay is $105,266 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $199,655.

Education

Master's Degree
4%

Doctoral or More
96%

Core Tasks

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and present findings in professional journals, books, electronic media, or at professional conferences.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as research methods, urban anthropology, and language and culture.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, career issues, and laboratory and field research.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
Supervise students' laboratory or field work.
Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Write grant proposals to procure external research funding and review others' grant proposals.
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
Write letters of recommendation for students.
Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
Review manuscripts for publication in books and professional journals.
Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
Participate in campus and community events.

Median Salary

$105,266

Job Growth

+10%

Curators

Median Salary

$62,869

Job Growth

+4%

Education

Some College
3%

Associate's Degree
1%

Bachelor's Degree
14%

Master's Degree
44%

Doctoral or More
37%

View Career

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

New workers start around $43,423. Normal pay is $62,869 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $108,124.

Education

Some College
3%

Associate's Degree
1%

Bachelor's Degree
14%

Master's Degree
44%

Doctoral or More
37%

Core Tasks

Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.
Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
Study, examine, and test acquisitions to authenticate their origin, composition, history, and to assess their current value.
Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest control issues are addressed.
Write and review grant proposals, journal articles, institutional reports, and publicity materials.
Design, organize, or conduct tours, workshops, and instructional or educational sessions to acquaint individuals with an institution's facilities and materials.
Train and supervise curatorial, fiscal, technical, research, and clerical staff, as well as volunteers or interns.
Attend meetings, conventions, and civic events to promote use of institution's services, to seek financing, and to maintain community alliances.
Confer with the board of directors to formulate and interpret policies, to determine budget requirements, and to plan overall operations.

Median Salary

$62,869

Job Growth

+4%

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Median Salary

$44,923

Job Growth

-3%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Certificate
20%

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
24%

Master's Degree
47%

View Career

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

New workers start around $27,983. Normal pay is $44,923 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $80,025.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
1%

Certificate
20%

Associate's Degree
7%

Bachelor's Degree
24%

Master's Degree
47%

Core Tasks

Install, arrange, assemble, and prepare artifacts for exhibition, ensuring the artifacts' safety, reporting their status and condition, and identifying and correcting any problems with the set up.
Repair, restore, and reassemble artifacts, designing and fabricating missing or broken parts, to restore them to their original appearance and prevent deterioration.
Clean objects, such as paper, textiles, wood, metal, glass, rock, pottery, and furniture, using cleansers, solvents, soap solutions, and polishes.
Photograph objects for documentation.
Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.
Prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.
Enter information about museum collections into computer databases.
Recommend preservation procedures, such as control of temperature and humidity, to curatorial and building staff.
Notify superior when restoration of artifacts requires outside experts.
Supervise and work with volunteers.
Perform on-site field work which may involve interviewing people, inspecting and identifying artifacts, note-taking, viewing sites and collections, and repainting exhibition spaces.
Lead tours and teach educational courses to students and the general public.

Median Salary

$44,923

Job Growth

-3%

Not sure if Anthropology is the right fit?

Exploratory Interest Area

Explore Anthropology while still working toward your academic goals.

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Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With #1 in transfers in Orange County to the UC System, IVC is the best place to start!

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Anthropology

Program Length

Transfer Options

Program Specific Support

Anthropology Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Anthropology

UC Transfer: Anthropology, Major*

CSU Transfer: Anthropology, AA-T*

Anthropology, AA

Explore Careers

Compliance Managers

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Geographers

Postsecondary Anthropology and Archeology Teachers

Curators

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Not sure if Anthropology is the right fit?

Affordable

Career Preparation

#1 in Transfers

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Financial Support

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Supporting You

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Finish Your Path at IVC

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Anthropology

Program Length

Transfer Options

Program Specific Support

Anthropology Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Anthropology

UC Transfer: Anthropology, Major*

CSU Transfer: Anthropology, AA-T*

Anthropology, AA

Explore Careers

Compliance Managers

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Geographers

Postsecondary Anthropology and Archeology Teachers

Curators

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Not sure if Anthropology is the right fit?

Affordable

Career Preparation

#1 in Transfers

Questions?

Need help now?

Ready to get started?

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