The coursework required for this graduate degree focuses on a practitioner-oriented internship plan devoted to preparing students to enter the expanding job market in applied anthropology. The required coursework includes completion of an internship (requiring registration for 3 credits in the summer prior to the first year) that involves research, intervention, management, teaching, and advocacy in service to agencies, groups and organizations. It culminates in the writing and successful defense of a thesis. This action-oriented plan prepares students for professional employment within their specialty area or continued opportunities at the Ph.D. level.
The requirement of an internship that involves research, intervention, management, teaching, and advocacy in service to groups and organizations presents opportunities to the graduate student to gain experience in practical application in the fields of archaeology, sociocultural anthropology, or linguistic anthropology. Archaeological and cultural research possibilities among the many Native American tribes and nations of the Colorado Plateau and the American Southwest informs the graduate student in their chosen field. International opportunities are available in North America, Mesoamerica, South America, and Europe.
Sociocultural Anthropology coursework trains students in ethnographic methods, collaborative research approaches and working with indigenous communities at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Opportunities exist in the areas of medical, development, educational and pedagogical anthropology.
Archaeology trains students in theory, methods, advanced archaeological computing applications, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), lithic, ceramic, rock art, and a number of other materials specialties, as well as cultural resource management.
Linguistic Anthropology trains students to analyze forms of communication and their relation to cultural values and social relations.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 37 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Thesis | Thesis is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Applied Master’s in Anthropology program is to provide a student-centered program that couples a strong core set of theory and methods courses with an individualized program of study designed by the student and his/her advisor, geared specifically for the student’s career plan.
Our program emphasizes strong professional and presentational skills that enable our students to communicate effectively to diverse academic, professional and public audiences, and supports interdisciplinary and innovative applications of anthropology to applied problems. We value and support inquiry that connects theory and practice and that uses each domain to explore and refine the other.
Students work closely with their research advisor to develop a personal plan of study and an internship, in which a student applies a core body of methodological and theoretical knowledge to a real world problem reflecting the student’s area of career interest.
Through our guidance-based approach, our program’s learning experiences prepare students for careers in a variety of organizations and professions, as well as for post-graduate and professional programs at other institutions.
Our departmental mission integrates scientific and humanistic approaches to the study of people and culture. We enlist past, present, and future perspectives on the human condition to inform our two goals:
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Take the following 37 units:
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.