Frequently Asked Questions

Graduates of the Cultural Heritage and Resources Management MS program will continue Sonoma State's robust tradition of fulfilling crucial roles and providing leadership in heritage practice and CRM in California and beyond. Traditionally, the field of CRM was rather narrow and grounded in anthropology, and its practitioners typically cataloged cultural “resources” to adhere to historical preservation regulation. Increasingly, however, the field has broadened to include a cultural “heritage” model, recognizing the need to work more collaboratively and justly with local communities (particularly those whose heritage it works to preserve), and embracing more interdisciplinary methods to address pressing social problems whose roots extend deep into the past, like climate change and health inequalities. All graduates of the MS program will be equipped with knowledge and skills grounded in the social sciences for the purposes of legal and regulatory compliance and in service of community-engaged goals.

It depends on the size of the applicant pool. We typically aim to bring in a cohort of 8-10 students each Fall semester. This means that we usually admit between 50-75% of applicants. We also use a waiting-list system for admission to ensure stable cohort size.

Original transcripts for the last 60 units earned are required. For most people, these will be from the four-year college/university where they received a B.A./B.S. degree. Community college transcripts usually are not necessary, unless these units contribute to the 60 units earned most recently. The exception is for students applying to the Natural Sciences and Technology concentration: be sure to submit transcripts showing the completion of an introductory Statistics course, with a grade of at least C, from any time in the college career. Transcripts for field schools for which academic credit was received should be submitted, provided they are included in the last 60 units. Upload a copy of unofficial transcripts to Cal State Apply, but also send a set of official transcripts directly to the University Admissions Office.

At least one letter should be from a relatively current academic reference, if possible. Letters must be written on workplace letterhead, signed by the recommender, saved as a PDF, and uploaded via Cal State Apply.

The personal statement should describe your interest in the CHRM MS program (namely, its offerings and faculty), expand on key elements of your previous academic and professional experience and other qualifications, and explain your career objectives. It will generally not exceed two pages.

An ideal writing sample would consist of a university term paper or single-authored published article. A single-authored technical report is less preferable but will be accepted. This submission shall represent the level of writing ability which the applicant is able to maintain in graduate courses and other related assignments.

We are able to offer two half-tuition waivers per year (based on in-state tuition, or an equivalent amount). The two students who receive these waivers are also paid for five hours of work per week as a Graduate Assistant, either helping with an undergraduate course or with faculty research.

Graduate students are eligible for many merit-based SSU scholarships, which range from $500-$5000. The deadline to apply is February 1. The ASC offers the Adrian Praetzellis Scholarship in CRM and the David Fredrickson Research Grant (each $500-1500/year depending on available funds). For more information, visit ASC Scholarships and Research Grants. Note: prospective students are also invited to apply for SSU scholarships. The only requirement is to have already applied to the University via CSUMentor. Awardees will be notified by May 1.

By filling out a FAFSA (deadline: March 2), students can qualify (depending on demonstrated need) for a State University Grant, which would cover most tuition costs. We do not have an admissions preference for in-state or out-of-state students. Visit the Financial Aid Office for general information about financial aid at SSU.

Accepted students who do not live in California should establish residency as soon as possible in order to qualify for in-state tuition. More information about establishing residency can be found here.

Many students work part-time for the Anthropological Studies Center and/or Northwest Information Center at some point during their studies. In recent years, ASC has paid up to $160,000 annually in wages to students working on grant and contract projects. Students can also apply for grants from the ASC and the School of Social Sciences to support thesis research and to attend and present papers at professional meetings.

Paid internships (e.g., with the National Park Service) are another source of income for students. We also attempt to connect students with external scholarship opportunities, e.g., from the Sacramento Archaeological Society, Society for California Archaeology, etc.

More information about funding opportunities for graduate students (including the Graduate Equity Fellowship) can be found here. 

The MS program can be completed in five semesters. This plan presumes that students are enrolled full-time during coursework and not working more than part-time. Actual time to completion is usually five to eight semesters, with the Culminating Experience proving the most variable. Sample program plans based on even- or odd-year admission are provided below.