Frequently Asked Questions

How many students does the CRM program accept each year?
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.

Which transcripts do I need to send?
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. Transcripts for field schools for which academic credit was received should be submitted, provided they are included in the last 60 units. You will upload a copy of unofficial transcripts to Cal State Apply, but also send a set of official transcripts directly to the University Admissions Office.

Who should write my letters of recommendation, and how should these letters be submitted?
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.

What should I include in the personal statement, and how long should it be?
The personal statement should describe your interest in the CRM M.A. program, 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.

What should I submit as an example of written work?
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.

What types of funding are available to CRM graduate students?

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

How long does the CRM program take to complete?
The minimum time to completion is 2 ½ years. However, because some of the required core courses are only offered every other year, the length of the program can vary depending on whether students enter in an even or odd calendar year. Even-year admissions (e.g., 2024) often result in a 3-year program (6 semesters), while odd-year admissions (e.g., 2023) add an extra semester (a 3 ½ year, 7 semester program). See below for a sample program plan based on even- or odd-year admission.

CRM Program Year 1

Year, Semester

Even-year admission

Odd-year admission

Year 1, Fall semester

Anth 500

Hist 472

Anth 500

Hist 472

Year 1, Spring semester

Supporting courses

Internships

Anth 502

Anth 592

 

Student evaluation by Graduate Committee faculty at end of semester. Status shifts from conditionally classified to unconditionally classified graduate standing.

CRM Program Schedule, Unconditional classified graduate standing
Year, Semester Even-year admission Odd-year admission
Year 2, Fall semester

Anth 503

Supporting courses

Internships

Supporting courses

Internships

Year 2, Spring semester

Anth 502

Anth 592

Anth 595 (Thesis Prospectus)

Completion and filing of GS01 to advance to candidacy.

Supporting courses

Internships

Year 3, Fall semester Anth 599A

Anth 503

Anth 595 (Thesis Prospectus)

Completion and filing of GS01 to advance to candidacy.

Year 3, Spring semester

Anth 599B

Defense and filing of thesis; graduation.

Anth 599A
Year 4, Fall semester  

Anth 599B

Defense and filing of thesis; graduation.

 

How can I find answers to the rest of my questions?
If your questions aren’t answered here, email the CRM Program Graduate Coordinator.