Applied Anthropology and Geography (BA)

Program Overview

The Applied Anthropology and Geography (BA) program at Colorado Mesa University blends social science knowledge with technology skills, preparing students to critically analyze human lives locally and regionally. Graduates develop proficiency in cartography, GIS, physical anthropology, and archaeology, equipping them for careers in energy extraction, law enforcement, and civil engineering. The program requires a 2.0 GPA, a "C" or higher in major courses, 40 upper-division credits, and a capstone project.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Applied Anthropology and Geography (BA) program at Colorado Mesa University is an interdisciplinary program that combines technology skills with social science knowledge. The program prepares students to think critically and ask theoretically-grounded questions about human lives in the immediate area, the surrounding region, and ultimately, across the western USA.

Objectives:

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate effective communication both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate tools to be life-long learners.
• Demonstrate the ability to create maps in a geographical information system program and do basic spatial analysis.
• Reflect on and respond to changes in anthropology and geography at various scales – i.e., ethical, social, civic, and/or environmental challenges at local, national, and/or global levels.

Careers:

Upon graduation, students will have knowledge of cartography and GIS, as well as physical anthropology and archaeology. This combination of skills will give students a niche to set them apart from other anthropology undergraduates. Students are prepared for applied employment opportunities available across the western slope and Colorado Plateau, such as energy extraction, law enforcement, and civil engineering.

Other:

• The program requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework.
• Students must earn a minimum of a "C" or higher in all courses for the major.
• The program requires students to complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 hours of credit at CMU, with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher.
• The program requires 40 upper-division credits.
• Students must complete a capstone exit assessment/project.
• Students must meet with an academic advisor and complete a degree audit to ensure they are on track for graduation.