Guide to Master's Degrees in Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humanity as a cultural, social, linguistic, and biological phenomenon. As this definition makes clear, the discipline cuts a broad swath across the social sciences, spanning evolutionary biology to aesthetics, crime scene investigation to feminist theory. Anthropologists build valuable skills in statistical methods, critical analysis, and communication, along with specialized knowledge about cultures and society.

A master's degree in anthropology enriches your engagement with the world and gives you a versatile credential for careers throughout the public and private sector. You can earn a master's degree online or on campus, completing your degree in a year or two.

WorldWideLearn.com can help you prepare for a graduate anthropology program. This guide takes you through the program research and application process step by step, pointing you to resources that can help make your master's in anthropology a success.

Guide to Master's Degrees in Anthropology

The study of how people, communities, and organizations work relies on a strategic intersection of science, humanities, and social science disciplines. Depending on your disciplinary focus, you might conduct research in the field or in a lab; solve practical problems or advance novel theoretical approaches; or study the ancient past or plan for future trends. To learn more about this diverse and exciting academic discipline, see the American Anthropological Association Web site.

The master's in anthropology has evolved to accommodate the rising tide of demand for anthropologists in applied sectors such as business and public administration. Today, your degree program options range from a traditional academic program to the new online applied master's degrees.

Master of Science or Master of Arts in Anthropology

The two academic master's degrees--the MS and MA in anthropology--follow the standard protocol for social science graduate work: mastery of several bodies of knowledge and a field project. Both MS and MA students may spend several months in the field completing a research project involving qualitative (both MA and MS) or quantitative (MS, typically) research methods. The MA in anthropology culminates in a written master's thesis. Most academic master's programs also incorporate extensive language training. Graduates of both programs are eligible to continue onto the PhD program in anthropology, pursuing a career as a university professor or academic scholar.

Professional Master of Applied Anthropology

The professional master's in anthropology is a terminal practice degree designed to prepare graduates for professional roles. The curriculum focuses on a specific career competency area such as cultural resource management, crime scene forensics, heritage tourism, contract archaeology, etc. Programs are designed for working professionals, with the option to earn a master's degree online. Specializations typically involve an internship rather than research field work.

Anthropology Specializations

Specialized study is a central feature of both academic and professional degrees. Anthropology is divided into four fields, each of which offers multiple research directions and specialized topics:

• Sociocultural Anthropology. Sociocultural anthropologists study the customs and practices of specific societies, focusing on how they adapt to their environment, interact, govern, and create meaning. Specialization opportunities include: medical anthropology (cultural approaches to health care), legal anthropology (conflict resolution), ethnology, and ethnographic film (visual anthropology). Most anthropologists choose to segment their specialization by focusing on a geographic, cultural, or social identity group such as: Russian, Native American, the elderly, women, etc.
• Biological and Physical Anthropology. Biological anthropologists study the origin and evolution of humanity. Specializations in this area include primatology (the study of primates and early humans), paleoanthropology (fossils), and public health studies such as epidemiology. Applied biological anthropologists may specialize in forensic anthropology, which applies scientific and archaeological techniques to criminal investigation.
• Archaeology. Archaeologists study the development of simple and more complex human societies by investigating material remains such as tools, architecture, bone, etc.
• Linguistic Anthropology. Linguistic specialists study language as a creative social phenomenon, reflecting and influencing social identity and belief systems.

Because anthropology is such a broad field, many master's degree programs emphasize one of these areas. Be sure to investigate your options carefully before settling on an anthropology master's degree program.

Career Tracks in Anthropology

A master's in anthropology is a surprisingly versatile credential leading to careers in academia, business, non-profit work, or government. Trained anthropologists bring quantitative and qualitative research skills, communication skills, and a background in cultural and behavioral studies.

The academic career track requires additional education at the doctoral level. The MS in anthropology serves as a stepping stone to the PhD in anthropology, which in turn qualifies you for a career as a university professor and research scholar.

Professional anthropologists find applications for social science research skills in various planning, research, program management, and policy roles. Some examples of careers include:

• Forensic anthropologist for law enforcement
• Museum collections manager
• Cultural resource analyst or contract archaeologist with state and federal government
• Market researcher for corporate marketing department or consulting firm
• Program administrator for NGOs such as international health organizations and development banks
• Community health program director
• Policy analyst for government agencies such as Housing & Urban Development
• Cultural consultant for military agencies such as the Department of Defense
• Cross-cultural trainer or localization expert for multinational corporation

Anthropologists can expect a bright future, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for consultants in areas such as economic development, forensics, and historical preservation should drive employment, particularly in federal, state, and local government. Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 28 percent employment growth for anthropologists and archaeologists between 2008 and 2018.

Plan for a Master's Degree in Anthropology

In the right hands, a master's in anthropology offers a powerful tool for professional advancement. The key to making the most of your time in the graduate program is planning and focus. The following steps can help you build a foundation for success.

Step One: Find the Right Graduate Anthropology Program

Most colleges and universities offer an MA or MS in anthropology. The ability to earn a master's degree online or on-site adds even more possibilities. With so many programs to choose from, it's important to organize your research. Take these steps to find the right graduate anthropology program for you:

1. Survey your options

Begin by accessing lists of master's degree options in anthropology, to get a sense of what your resources are. WorldWideLearn.com features links to campus and online grad schools in anthropology via the Degrees by Subject search tool. In addition, you'll find a list of specialized anthropology programs through these sources:

• Programs in Applied Anthropology, Consortium of Practicing and Applied Anthropology Programs (COPAA)
• Programs in Forensic Anthropology, American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)

Accreditation is a key consideration at this early stage of your program search. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes regional and national authorities to conduct regular program reviews assessing educational quality. An accredited program is more likely to return the value of your investment, both in terms of the education and the impact of the credential on your professional prospects. See the Department of Education's list of approved accreditation agencies.

2. Decide whether to earn a master's degree online or on campus

Program format has evolved to include options for both face-to-face classroom instruction and virtual distance graduate education. For most students, the decision to earn a master's degree online or on campus comes down to three factors:

• Life circumstances: Does your lifestyle permit a full-time campus program? If not, an online degree offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, on your own schedule. Online degrees are ideal for working professionals who can't or don't want to put their career (and paycheck) on hold.
• Learning style: Face-to-face interaction still works better for some students. Others thrive in an asynchronous online environment, which encourages independent learning, reflection, and written communication skills.
• Career goals: Campus programs remain the better choice for aspiring academics, who rely on on-site access to faculty mentors, scholarly research resources, and teaching assistantships. Online degrees, by contrast, offer a rich professional networking environment for anthropologists working in applied fields.

Learn more about your delivery format options at WorldWideLearn.com's Online Degree Programs and Campus Education sections. The Sloan Consortium, which represents online institutions nationwide, also links to some online master's programs in anthropology in its Programs in Social Sciences listings.

3. Explore academic programs

The core of your program research takes you into each program's academic emphases and resources. Consider the following features as you evaluate program resources:

• Curriculum and specializations
• Degree format and requirements
• Faculty in your field of interest
• Employer relationships
• Career support services
• Student life

You can find links to pertinent information on school Web sites, which list degree requirements, course descriptions, and faculty research interests. Many sites include links to faculty publications and CVs, course catalogs, and research lab Web sites. For a closer look into the student experience, set up informational interviews with faculty and graduate students and arrange to tour campus facilities.

4. Evaluate program quality

Finally, take into account quality metrics to identify the five or six master's degree programs that best match your requirements. Factors to consider include:

• Reputation. Rankings give you a general sense of the program's reputation. Influential publications include U.S. News & World Report, which publishes a list of its top ranked social sciences and humanities schools.
• Selectivity. Keep in mind that the top schools also have the most competitive admissions standards. Look for schools whose selectivity statistics resemble your own academic record. Admissions counselors can give you an idea of where you stand in relation to past applicants. Ask about the average GPA and test scores of admitted students to gauge your admissions prospects.
• Student demographics. Demographic data can speak volumes about the graduate student experience and the value of the degree on the job market. Find out how many years work experience students generally have, as well as pertinent data about placement, advancement, and salaries upon graduation.

Aim for several programs at each level of selectivity and quality: a few perfect fits, a couple safety schools, and a dream program or two.

Step Two: Apply to Graduate Anthropology Programs

With a manageable list of anthropology master's degree programs in hand, you're ready for the next stage of the process: preparing your application materials. The following steps take you from application to classroom.

1. Complete Prerequisites

First, make sure you have completed all eligibility requirements for graduate study before proceeding. Prerequisites generally include:

• A bachelor's degree in anthropology or another social science discipline
• Basic social sciences courses if your degree is in another field
• Standardized tests such as the GRE and TOEFL (for international students)

2. Prepare Application Materials

In addition to filling out an information form, you'll need to submit supporting documents. Generally, anthropology graduate programs ask for:

• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Test scores
• A personal statement
• Resume

It's important to start your application well in advance of the deadline to make sure your test scores and recommendations can be processed in time.

3. Finance Your MS in Anthropology

Most graduate students rely on financial aid to offset some of the cost of the master's degree. Sources of student funding include the university, private donors, the federal government, and employers. Take these steps to finance your degree:

• Meet with financial aid advisors at your top schools and develop a financial aid strategy
• Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which covers both Pell Grants to Stafford Loans
• Ask your employer about tuition grants and other educational incentives
• Apply for private scholarships and research grants
• Consider a low-interest student loan

You can avoid some of the cost of graduate school by keeping your job while you earn a master's degree online.

Step Three: Build an Academic Support Network

It's not too early to establish yourself as an academic. Build your support system now to ensure you're poised to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way in the course of the graduate program.

Steps you can take now:

• Join professional associations
• Read journals
• Attend networking events and conferences

The American Anthropological Society features links to anthropology associations in dozens of specialty fields, including the Association of Indigenous Anthropologists and Society for Linguistic Anthropology. Professional associations, universities, and some public and nonprofit organizations sponsor networking events and conferences to foster community among academic and professional anthropologists.

A master's degree in anthropology can open doors to a world of opportunities in academia, government, nonprofit work, and business. The common strand linking all these roles is an abiding interest and curiosity about the human condition. Your work may help improve understanding about cultural differences and create better living conditions for communities in need. Whatever path you choose, the first step is a plan for your graduate education that reflects your interests and goals.

Sources

• Best Social Sciences and Humanities Schools, U.S. News & World Report (2009).
• Career Paths and Education, American Anthropological Association.
• Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
• Department of Anthropology and Sociology, The University of Southern Mississippi.
• MA in Visual Anthropology, USC Department of Anthropology.
• Master of Science in Applied Anthropology, Missouri State University.
• Programs in Applied Anthropology, Consortium of Practicing and Applied Anthropology Programs (COPAA).
• Programs in Social Sciences, The Sloan Consortium.
• Resources: Colleges and Universities, American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
• "Social Scientists," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Society for Linguistic Anthropology.

• Online Master Programs