Students complete a core of courses in Southwestern?prehistory?and?history; social, political, and cultural dynamics. In addition, each student selects one of two specialized options:?Anthropology, with courses in fields such as archaeology and Indians of the Southwest, and?History?and?Political?Science, including courses in the American frontier, legislative processes, and New Mexico since statehood.? Instruction in appropriate research methodologies then prepares each student for the culminating experience of a thesis.