Master's Degree in Anthropology
A Master's Degree in Anthropology explores human cultures, societies, and biological aspects, preparing students for research, education, and cultural resource management roles.
About
This Master's Degree in Anthropology is designed for students interested in understanding human diversity, culture, and evolution. It suits those who have completed a bachelor's degree and want to deepen their knowledge of social and biological aspects of humanity. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, education, cultural heritage, and related fields.
- The degree typically lasts one to two years and is offered by universities across the United States.
- It covers both cultural anthropology and biological anthropology, combining theory and fieldwork.
- Students learn to analyze human behavior, social structures, and evolutionary biology.
- The program is suitable for those aiming to work in academia, museums, non-profits, or government agencies.
- It also provides skills useful for roles in cultural resource management and international development.
What you study
The curriculum of this Master's Degree in Anthropology includes a mix of theoretical courses and practical experiences. It builds on undergraduate knowledge and advances students' research skills.
- In the first year, students often study anthropological theory, research methods, and ethnographic techniques.
- Courses may cover archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and human evolution.
- Students engage in fieldwork or laboratory research to apply their learning.
- The second year usually focuses on a thesis or a major research project under faculty supervision.
- Practical work helps develop skills in data collection, analysis, and academic writing.
- The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches and critical thinking about human societies.
How to get in
Admission to a Master's Degree in Anthropology in the US requires a bachelor's degree, usually in anthropology or a related field. The process is competitive and involves several steps.
- Applicants must submit transcripts showing relevant coursework and academic performance.
- Many programs ask for letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose explaining the candidate's interests.
- Some universities require GRE scores, though this is becoming less common.
- Experience in research or fieldwork can strengthen an application.
- Admissions committees look for candidates with a clear motivation for advanced study in anthropology.
- International students must meet English language proficiency requirements.
Day to day
The daily life of a Master's student in Anthropology involves attending classes, conducting research, and participating in field activities. The workload varies throughout the year.
- Students balance seminars, lectures, and group discussions focused on current anthropological issues.
- Fieldwork or lab work may require travel or extended periods away from campus.
- Many students spend time writing papers and preparing for their thesis project.
- Some programs offer opportunities for internships or collaboration with cultural institutions.
- The academic calendar includes regular assessments and deadlines for research proposals.
- Students often collaborate with peers and faculty on research projects.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates with a Master's Degree in Anthropology can pursue various career paths, though the job market can be competitive. The degree opens doors in several sectors.
- Many find roles in cultural resource management, helping preserve historical sites and artifacts.
- Positions exist in museums and educational institutions as educators or researchers.
- Non-governmental organizations and government agencies hire anthropologists for social research and program development.
- Some graduates work in public health or international development, applying anthropological insights.
- The degree also prepares students for doctoral studies, which can lead to academic careers.
- Employment often requires flexibility and willingness to work in diverse environments.
Continuing your studies
After completing this Master's Degree, students may choose to continue their studies or shift to related fields. The degree offers several pathways.
- Many pursue a PhD in Anthropology to engage in advanced research and teaching.
- Others may transition to public policy, archaeology, or museum studies programs.
- Some graduates opt for professional degrees in public health or international relations.
- The skills gained also support careers in cultural consulting or heritage management.
Where to study this degree (172)
Liste des 172 établissements
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- Binghamton UniversityBinghamton
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- New Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces
- New SchoolNew York
- University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque
- CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York
- Georgia State UniversityAtlanta
- Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
- University of North TexasDenton
- University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleKnoxville
- Boston UniversityBoston
- University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte
- University of Central FloridaOrlando
- American UniversityWashington
- New York UniversityNew York
- George Washington UniversityWashington
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- Mercyhurst UniversityErie
- Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- University of WyomingLaramie
- The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio
- Eastern UniversitySaint Davids
- Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch
- University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park
- University of LouisvilleLouisville
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- Portland State UniversityPortland
- University of ArizonaTucson
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh
- University of West FloridaPensacola
- University of MemphisMemphis
- Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- California State University, FullertonFullerton
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Teachers College at Columbia UniversityNew York
- University of South FloridaTampa
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis
- Princeton UniversityPrinceton
- University of KentuckyLexington
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Brandeis UniversityWaltham
- Cornell UniversityIthaca
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- California State University Los AngelesLos Angeles
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham
- California State University, ChicoChico
- Iowa State UniversityAmes
- Southern Methodist UniversityDallas
- University of California-IrvineIrvine
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- Idaho State UniversityPocatello
- William & MaryWilliamsburg
- University at AlbanyAlbany
- Wichita State UniversityWichita
- University of OklahomaNorman
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- University of Nebraska–LincolnLincoln
- University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville
- University of DenverDenver
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- Kent State University at KentKent
- University of MaineOrono
- University of Colorado BoulderBoulder
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
- Boise State UniversityBoise
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- Mississippi State UniversityStarkville
- Hunter CollegeNew York
- East Carolina UniversityGreenville
- University of Notre DameNotre Dame
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- Northwestern UniversityEvanston
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- University of MississippiOxford
- University of ChicagoChicago
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- University of Nevada, RenoReno
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- University of FloridaGainesville
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- Northern Illinois UniversityDeKalb
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- University of IdahoMoscow
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- Illinois State UniversityNormal
- Western Washington UniversityBellingham
- University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage
- Eastern New Mexico UniversityPortales
- University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla
- Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- Stanford UniversityStanford
- Cal Poly HumboldtArcata
- University of California-DavisDavis
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara
- Duke UniversityDurham
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- University of California, RiversideRiverside
- Purdue University West LafayetteWest Lafayette
- Washington State UniversityPullman
- University of IowaIowa City
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- University of TulsaTulsa
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse
- University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst
- University of ArkansasFayetteville
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale
- University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg
- Brown UniversityProvidence
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- Vanderbilt UniversityNashville
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Creighton UniversityOmaha
- University of OregonEugene
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh
- University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- University of HoustonHouston
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Rice UniversityHouston
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo
- City College of New YorkNew York
- Western Oregon UniversityMonmouth
- California State University, BakersfieldBakersfield
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- CUNY Queens CollegeQueens
- Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- Biola UniversityLa Mirada
- Long Island UniversityBrookville
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown
- Minnesota State University, MankatoMankato
- University of IndianapolisIndianapolis
- University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz
- North Dakota State UniversityFargo
- University of KansasLawrence
- Oregon State University CascadesBend
- Catholic University of AmericaWashington
- University of California-San FranciscoSan Francisco
- California State University, East BayHayward
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to apply for this Master's Degree?
Applicants usually need a bachelor's degree, often in anthropology or a related field. Relevant coursework and research experience strengthen the application.
Is fieldwork a required part of the program?
Yes, most programs include fieldwork or practical research to help students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Can I work while studying this Master's Degree?
The program is demanding, but some students manage part-time jobs or internships. Full-time work alongside studies can be challenging.
Does this degree lead directly to a job?
Graduates can find jobs in various sectors, but the job market can be competitive. Many continue with doctoral studies to improve career prospects.
Are there opportunities to study abroad during the program?
Some universities offer exchange programs or fieldwork opportunities abroad, but this depends on the institution and specific program.
Is the GRE required for admission?
Some programs still require GRE scores, but many have made it optional or no longer require it. Check each university's requirements.
What skills will I gain from this Master's Degree?
Students develop research skills, critical thinking, cultural analysis, academic writing, and the ability to conduct fieldwork.
Can I switch to another field after this degree?
Yes, the degree provides transferable skills that can be useful in public policy, education, international development, and related areas.






















