Anthropology Graduate Programs

Anthropology, often classified as a social science, is the study of the origin, evolution, progress and behavior of humans. Anthropology graduate programs prepare students to become one of four types of anthropologists: sociocultural anthropologist, biological anthropologist, linguistic anthropologist or a physical anthropologist.

Search our directory of campus anthropology graduate degree programs.

Search our directory of online anthropology graduate degree programs.

Anthropology Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Anthropology graduate programs typically have four specializations from which students can choose:

Sociocultural anthropology
Biological anthropology
Linguistic anthropology
Physical anthropology and archaeology

Sociocultural or cultural anthropologists, study customs, cultures and social lives. Linguistic anthropologists focus on the history and role of language in culture and how it has changed over time. Biological anthropologists map the evolution of the human body and study how culture and biology influence each other. Physical anthropologists and archaeologist study human remains and material evidence to discover information on past civilizations and cultures.

Coursework for graduate degrees in anthropology will differ by schools and by area of concentration. That said, some common courses include:

Human evolution
Primate behavior, adaptation, evolution, and ecology
Cultural anthropology
Anthropological linguistics
Language and culture
Ethnographic field methods

Many anthropology graduate programs also require research projects, fieldwork and the completion of a thesis. When earning a Ph.D., many programs encourage, if not require, learning a second language as well.

While having an undergraduate degree in the social sciences is helpful when pursuing a career in anthropology, it is not always required. Check with particular programs for specific requirements. Prerequisite coursework in anthropology may be needed if you do not have a background in the social sciences.

Anthropology Career Paths

Along with a general interest in human culture and evolution, anthropologists should have the following qualities:

Logical and analytical thinking
Methodical with attention to detail
Objective
Open minded
Systematic
Adaptable
Willingness to Travel

Anthropologists can find work in the professional, scientific, and technical services. Others find work in educational institutions, and a small number are self-employed. Typical positions include fieldwork, teaching, and working as part of a research team. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for anthropologist ranged from approximately $30,000 to $90,000 in 2008. The average salary then was $54,000.

Anthropology Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for anthropologists and archaeologists is expected to grow by 28 percent by 2018. Growth is expanding from new positions in consulting in the areas of management, scientific, and technical services. In addition, employment opportunities are arising with positions within the Federal Government and with vacant positions left by retiring anthropologists.

Anthropology-projected-job-growth

Data according to

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed .

Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Southampton,UK
University of Southampton
MA Palaeolithic Archaeology and Human Origins
This programme offers a unique opportunity to study the material evidence of our evolutionary history.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
New York,NY
School of Visual Arts
MFA Social Documentary Film
An MFA program solely focused on documentary filmmaking located in the heart of New York City.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Portales,NM
Eastern New Mexico University
Anthropology
Anthropology, the study of humanity past and present, has four subdivisions:
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Type: Online
Level: Masters
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Goucher College
Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability
Goucher College's new Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability program brings together tools from anthropology, history, com...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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La Mirada,CA
Biola University
Master of Arts in Anthropology
The Master of Arts in Anthropology degree is designed for those students who desire advanced training in the study of people ...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
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New York,NY
New School, The
MA Fashion Studies
In this groundbreaking program, students will engage in the evolving field of fashion studies.
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Worcester,MA
Clark University
International Development and Social Change
The Master of Arts degree in International Development and Social Change (IDSC) emphasizes the connection between critical th...
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Moscow,ID
University of Idaho
Anthropology
Anthropology: The curriculum provides sound training in general anthropology, archaeology, physical anthropology, and ethnolo...
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Type: Online
Level:
Doctorate
Masters
Saybrook University
MA, PhD Human Science
As a graduate in Human Science, you may choose to work in a variety of settings as a researcher, teacher, or practitioner...
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Doctorate
Masters
Bronx,NY
Fordham University
Sociology and Anthropology
The Department's graduate programs prepare students for careers in teaching, research and administration.
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Type: Campus
Level:
Doctorate
Masters
Amherst,MA
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Anthropology

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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Baton Rouge,LA
Louisiana State University
Anthropology / Forensic Anthropology
Areas of Specialization- Forensic Anthropology
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Type: Campus
Level: Masters
Saint Cloud,MN
St. Cloud State University
Cultural Resources Management
The Anthropology Program seeks to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the role archaeology plays in modern cul...
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Type: Campus
Level: Doctorate
Ann Arbor,MI
University of Michigan
Anthropology and History
The Anthropology Program at the University of Michigan is not a terminal Masters Program.
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