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 (200)
Liste des 200 établissements
- California Institute of Integral StudiesSan Francisco
- Marshall UniversityHuntington
- Reedley CollegeReedley
- Eastern Arizona CollegeThatcher
- University of Central FloridaOrlando
- Delaware County Community CollegeMedia
- Missouri Valley CollegeMarshall
- University of Colorado BoulderBoulder
- Western Connecticut State UniversityDanbury
- Pima Community CollegeTucson
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
- Wright State UniversityDayton
- Canisius CollegeBuffalo
- Davidson CollegeDavidson
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- University of FloridaGainesville
- University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz
- Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale
- University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara
- Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester
- University of California-DavisDavis
- University of California, RiversideRiverside
- University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleKnoxville
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- University of OregonEugene
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis
- Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- SUNY GeneseoGeneseo
- University of California-IrvineIrvine
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- Western Washington UniversityBellingham
- University of South FloridaTampa
- University of ArizonaTucson
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins
- University of HoustonHouston
- Lehman CollegeBronx
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- California State University, ChicoChico
- University of VermontBurlington
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- University of Illinois ChicagoChicago
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- University of OklahomaNorman
- University of North TexasDenton
- California State University, FullertonFullerton
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee
- Appalachian State UniversityBoone
- Baylor UniversityWaco
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- California State Polytechnic UniversityPomona
- University of IowaIowa City
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- Washington State UniversityPullman
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- Dartmouth CollegeHanover
- George Washington UniversityWashington
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh
- University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- California State University Los AngelesLos Angeles
- New York UniversityNew York
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- Binghamton UniversityBinghamton
- University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst
- Moorpark CollegeMoorpark
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- Princeton UniversityPrinceton
- Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- University of ChicagoChicago
- Brown UniversityProvidence
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- Brandeis UniversityWaltham
- Portland State UniversityPortland
- Georgia State UniversityAtlanta
- University of KansasLawrence
- Santa Monica CollegeSanta Monica
- University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton
- University of Nevada, RenoReno
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- University of KentuckyLexington
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- Purdue University West LafayetteWest Lafayette
- Iowa State UniversityAmes
- University of North FloridaJacksonville
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- Hunter CollegeNew York
- Sierra CollegeRocklin
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge
- University of Florida-OnlineGainesville
- University of West FloridaPensacola
- Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw
- Barnard CollegeNew York
- University of Massachusetts BostonBoston
- Northwestern UniversityEvanston
- University of ArkansasFayetteville
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- Cal Poly HumboldtArcata
- Fordham UniversityBronx
- California State University, San MarcosSan Marcos
- College of CharlestonCharleston
- James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit
- University of California, MercedMerced
- Boston UniversityBoston
- Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook
- Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown
- University of Notre DameNotre Dame
- Kent State University at KentKent
- New Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces
- Santa Rosa Junior CollegeSanta Rosa
- Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn
- Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick
- Sacramento City CollegeSacramento
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
- Loyola University ChicagoChicago
- East Carolina UniversityGreenville
- University of LouisvilleLouisville
- CUNY Queens CollegeQueens
- Boise State UniversityBoise
- El Camino CollegeTorrance
- University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park
- City College of New YorkNew York
- University of Puerto Rico-Rio PiedrasSan Juan
- University of MaineOrono
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- Fort Lewis CollegeDurango
- Mississippi State UniversityStarkville
- California State University, San BernardinoSan Bernardino
- New SchoolNew York
- Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan
- University of RochesterRochester
- University of Houston - Clear LakeHouston
- Saddleback CollegeMission Viejo
- Oakland UniversityRochester Hills
- Beloit CollegeBeloit
- University of WyomingLaramie
- Miami University-OxfordOxford
- University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington
- Chaffey CollegeRancho Cucamonga
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- Oxnard CollegeOxnard
- William & MaryWilliamsburg
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham
- California State University, FresnoFresno
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- Smith CollegeNorthampton
- University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs
- University of MemphisMemphis
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse
- Fresno City CollegeFresno
- Los Angeles Pierce CollegeWoodland Hills
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- Franklin and Marshall CollegeLancaster
- Middlebury CollegeMiddlebury
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- Grossmont CollegeEl Cajon
- Orange Coast CollegeCosta Mesa
- Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette
- University of New HampshireDurham
- Bryn Mawr CollegeBryn Mawr
- University of Nebraska–LincolnLincoln
- Skidmore CollegeSaratoga Springs
- Mount Holyoke CollegeSouth Hadley
- Indiana University-IndianapolisIndianapolis
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver
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.


























