Frequently asked Questions

1. What is a 'Grad Check'

Each prospective graduate must file for graduation. A student is eligible to apply for graduation after accumulating 85 units. Undergraduates must pay the $115 graduation/diploma fee and apply online for a grad check one year (two semesters) in advance of the anticipated graduation term.

2. How do I get a grad check?

Apply online via your Titan Online Student Center. You must meet the minimum requirements to apply online. Your Titan Degree Audit will become your official electronic Grad Check, you will not receive a form in the mail. Once you have applied for graduation, you should make an appointment and see a faculty advisor (Anthropology has three advisors – Dr. Barbra Erickson, Dr. John Patton, and Dr. Carl Wendt – available to help you during their office hours or by appointment). The faculty advisor must review and approve your TDA for you to be considered a candidate for gradation and for you to participate in commencement. See the University's page for more information. 

3. Can I go through the graduation ceremony in May even though I will still have to finish up more units?

Yes, you can go through the May graduation as long as you will be completing those remaining units in summer school. If you plan to complete those remaining units the next Fall semester, you must then plan to go through the next May ceremony the following year.

4. Where do I go for advice on classes to take in Anthropology?

McCarthy Hall 426! Anthropology has three advisors (Dr. Barbra Erickson, Dr. John Patton, and Dr. Carl Wendt) available to help you during their office hours or by appointment. Call the Anthropology office at 657-278-3626 or stop by the office in McCarthy Hall 426 during normal business hours for additional details, or visit our website to learn more about our faculty and their areas of expertise. Please note that advisement hours are less frequent during Summer and Intersession (January). Office hours during finals week are irregular and no hours are available during Spring and Fall breaks.

5. Will courses I took at the community college transfer to CSUF?

Most courses will transfer but the exact evaluation of all your courses is done by the Office of Admissions and Records. Some may count toward the lower division requirements of the Anthropology major, see an Anthropology advisor at CSUF and bring your community college transcript and/or the evaluation of your units that you received from the CSUF admissions office.

6. Can I complete the BA in Anthropology at night?

Yes, you can. The university defines "night" classes as those beginning at 4pm or later. There are fewer choices for classes offered at night than there are during the day, but by carefully watching your schedule you can complete the BA in Anthropology (even with fewer courses offered).

7. How many classes should I take if I'm also working?

Many students find it necessary to work and go to school. How many units should be taken if you are working? A good estimate would be:

Hours Worked	Recommended Units
40	3
30	6
20	9
10	12
0	15

Following the above recommendations will allow sufficient time to study, use the library, meet with faculty, be involved in variousdepartment clubs and student organizations, and maximize the chances that your grades will reflect your true potential.

8. How do I choose electives in my major or decide on a career path?

Talking with advisers is very helpful. Anthropology advisers are more than happy to help you decide on future study and career plans. It is especially important to choose elective courses both in Anthropology and in other departments that will help you meet your goals.

9. What are course prerequisites?

Some Anthropology courses can only be taken after the completion of other classes. These classes that must be completed first are known as course prerequisites. You will need to plan ahead by taking the prerequisite courses earlier in order to take the 300 or 400-level courses you are interested in later. Course prerequisites are not found in the Class Schedule listings. The only place to find prerequisites are in the University Catalog. Please buy one and read it!

10. I am an undergraduate student seeking information about graduate training in Anthropology (schools and programs). Where can I find this information?

Make an appointment with a faculty advisor. Anthropology has three advisors (Dr. Sarah Grant, Dr. Edward Knell, and Dr. Elizabeth Pillsworth) available to help you during their office hours or by appointment. Call the Anthropology office at 657-278-3626 or stop by the office in McCarthy Hall 426 during normal business hours for additional details, or visit our website to learn more about our faculty and their areas of expertise.