New York prides itself on being a global city—but what does that mean to us? Through a major in Anthropology, you will begin to learn about peoples and cultures both close at hand and from around the world. You will examine how societies differ and what we all have in common, come to understand social inequality, ask how social conflicts arise and how they are resolved. The strength of the Anthropology major at John Jay is urban research and social/cultural anthropology rather than archeology or forensics, although students with these interests can be accommodated through cross-registration with other CUNY campuses.
Major Requirements
ANT Courses That Meet General Education Requirements
Major Advising in Fall/Spring
Anthropology major advising during Fall 2023 can be done either remotely or in person. Anthropology majors should email Professor Shonna Trinch (strinch@jjay.cuny.edu) with any questions, and she is happy to arrange for zoom advising meetings if desired.
Major Advising in Summer/Winter
Anthropology major advising will be done remotely during Summer session 2023. Anthropology majors with any questions should email Professor Shonna Trinch (strinch@jjay.cuny.edu).
Registration and Major Holds
Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a hold on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have a major advising appointment with Professor Shonna Trinch (strinch@jjay.cuny.edu). This discussion will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major. How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:
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Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”
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Click on “Advisement Required.”
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See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.
Avoid Course Planning Mistakes!
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Take ANT 101 as soon as possible, since it provides an introduction to the field of anthropology and is a foundation for many courses in the major.
- The Anthropology major no longer requires STA 250, as of Fall 2018. If you declared Anthropology before Fall 2018, you can choose to re-declare the major at Jay Express under the new requirements, or Professor Trinch can discuss a course substitution for STA 250 if you choose to stay with the pre-Fall 2018 major requirements. If you choose to re-declare, you can write "re-declaring the major to follow the new requirements" on your declaration form, to avoid Jay Express confusion.
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Many of the major’s core courses are offered only once a year and have only one section. Make sure to take them when they are offered or you may have to wait another year for them to appear again. Consulting with Professor Trinch before each registration period will keep you on track.
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Be aware that ANT 305, ANT 325, and senior standing (at least 90 credits earned) are all prerequisites for the Senior Seminar in Anthropology (ANT 405).
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For third and fourth year students with good GPAs and well-defined interests, there is the possibility of pursuing independent study with a professor.
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Remember that you will need at least a 2.0 GPA in the major and at least a 2.0 overall GPA to graduate.
Monitor Your Progress in the Major (Major Checklist, Sample 4 yr Plan)
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DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: Confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and with Professor Snajdr (the Anthropology advisor), since there are important curricular options not presented in the degree audit.
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Fill out the Anthropology Major Checklist for students who declared before fall 2018 or the Anthropology Major Checklist for students who declared fall 2018 or later to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
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Sample Four Year Plan - See an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that this sample plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.
Meet with a General Academic Advisor
A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.