The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work’s new academic program will provide training in anthropological analysis to prepare students for such career fields as public archaeology and medical anthropology, among others. The curriculum recently was approved by the state Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning.

S. Homes Hogue said MSU’s program differs from others in many ways.

While the 36-course-hour curriculum is similar to a traditional master’s program, it will involve "much more practical experience," Hogue said. To gain experience, a summer internship outside the university and a research agenda leading to the completion of a thesis will be required.

MSU’s Cobb Institute of Archaeology is a College of Arts and Sciences research and service unit founded in 1971.