Involvement, Opportunities and Graduate School

Q: What anthropology clubs and organizations can I participate in?
A: There are currently two clubs for anthropology undergraduates. The Undergraduate Anthropology Association creates opportunities for professional development and networking with faculty and other anthropology majors that will promote skills for future success inside and outside the field of anthropology. The club sponsors various activities such as lectures on a range of topics of interest to students; informational seminars on pursuing scholarships, awards and advanced degrees in anthropology; and field trips to local museums. The club also provides access to volunteer and internship opportunities. The Undergraduate Anthropology Association is open to all students.

The Anthropology Peer Mentors program matches current anthropology students with new students. This program aims to provide students with:

1) opportunities to meet with faculty outside the classroom;

2) exposure to new research opportunities;

3) help navigating campus and the surrounding areas; and

4) help finding and using on-campus resources and organizations.

Q: What is a faculty mentor?
A: During the School of Human Evolution and Social Change's student orientation in early fall, all Anthropology majors will have an opportunity to meet the members of the school's undergraduate committee. The committee includes the coordinator of student and academic services, the undergraduate director and faculty members from the different anthropology approaches (Physical Anthropology, Social and Cultural Anthropology and Archaeology). Majors will also have an opportunity to learn about the educational mission of the school's approaches and degrees, as well as academic and professional program highlights that may be of particular interest to students.

It is the student's responsibility to seek academic and professional guidance. When appropriate, the coordinator of student and academic services will refer students to one or more undergraduate committee members for additional help, guidance and mentorship. Alternatively, the coordinator—in consultation with the undergraduate director and another member of the undergraduate committee—may refer the student to another faculty member within the school or another ASU unit who may be best suited to provide advice for the student's particular interests.

A team approach that involves the coordinator of student and academic services, the undergraduate director and faculty members will allow students access to valuable information on 1) different career paths that anthropology students might follow; 2) helpful courses in anthropology and in other areas; 3) important career-related background courses; and 4) advanced degree programs beyond the bachelor's in Anthropology. If the student has developed good, solid relationships with faculty mentors during their college career, the mentors may agree to write letters of recommendation for graduate school and other post-baccalaureate career opportunities.  

Q: What is the Barrett Honors College and how can I be admitted?
A: The Barrett Honors College is a “community of students dedicated to superior undergraduate education.” The Barrett Honors College offers students special housing facilities, advising, priority at pre-registration, unique courses and opportunities to study abroad. Visit the Barrett Honors College Web site for admissions information.

Q: What can I do to make myself competitive for the job market and/or graduate school?
A: Once you graduate you will have many opportunities to continue with your education and/or career path. Starting your freshman year you can take advantage of many opportunities to build your rèsumè, such as joining clubs and organizations, participating in the Barrett Honors College, studying abroad, doing volunteer work/internships, and getting to know your professors.

Q: Where can I find information about study abroad?
A: The School of Human Evolution and Social Change currently has study abroad programs in Australia, London and New Zealand & Fiji. Students interested in other regions of the world should refer to Summer Sessions.

Q: Where can I find out about field schools and volunteer work?
A: Students may contact their advisor for a list of current opportunities or subscribe to the “School of Human Evolution and Social Change—Undergraduate Information” organization on Blackboard. Volunteer Services has a general list of volunteer opportunities.

Q: Where can I find out information about scholarships?
A: The School of Human Evolution and Social Change has a limited number of scholarships available to students (students are nominated for the scholarships by faculty). In addition to the school's scholarships, Anthropology students are eligible to apply for one of two research assistantships offered every fall and spring semester. For more information on these opportunities, students should contact their advisor.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also has a list of scholarships available to students, as does the university.

Q: Where can I find out about opportunities, upcoming classes and SHESC general information?
A: All ASU students are encouraged to subscribe to the “School of Human Evolution and Social Change - Undergraduate Information” organization on Blackboard. Once a member, you will be notified of scholarship and fieldwork opportunities. There will also be information about upcoming classes and lectures, along with general information. This is the main source for up-to-date information on events within the School of Human Evolution and Social Change.

You can subscribe by logging onto my.asu.edu.

1. Click on “myASU Courses.” Another window will open up and take you to Blackboard.
2. Click the third tab at the top that says “Organizations.” Type in “School of Human Evolution.” The “School of Human Evolution and Social Change-Undergraduate Information” will be one of the choices.
3. Click “enroll.” When you sign onto Blackboard it will appear under your “Organizations” box. From there you can access the organization site and navigate the informational tabs on the left-hand side.

Q: What do I need to do to apply for graduate school?
A: Many graduate schools can be very competitive and are looking for excelling students who have participated in activities as an undergraduate. Application materials are different for each graduate program, but in general they may require:

1) a personal statement

2) three letters of recommendation

3) GRE scores, and

4) a writing sample.

Many programs have application deadlines in December or January for fall entrance. For example, if you are graduating in May and want to begin a graduate program in August, you must submit all your materials by December of your senior year. Therefore, it is important to take your GRE early in case you need to re-take the exam. Also, give your professors time to write letters of recommendation for you.

Q: Where can I find out about graduate schools in anthropology?
A: The American Anthropological Association publishes annually the "AAA Guide." It lists most of the graduate and undergraduate anthropology programs in the U.S. and Canada. Included in the listings are the names and research interests of all faculty in the department. You can order the guide online or locate it at Hayden Library.