This graduate degree coursework allows students to pursue independently designed research goals with the guidance of faculty mentors that culminate in the writing and successful defense of a thesis. Our department has been highly successful in mentoring graduate students with opportunities to further their professional and academic development in anthropology at the Ph.D. level.
The opportunity for graduate students to develop independent research and to conduct original research twoward the development of a final anthropological master's thesis grounds graduate students in a strong foundation in the discipline. Research is encouraged in the fields of archaeology, sociocultural anthropology, or linguistic anthropology with archaeological and cultural research possibilities among the many Native American tribes and nations of the Colorado Plateau and the American Southwest. International opportunities in North America, Mesoamerica, South America, and Europe are also available.
The Sociocultural Track trains students in ethnographic methods, collaborative research approaches provides graduate students with opportunities to work with indigenous communities at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Opportunities exist in the areas of medical, development, educational and pedagogical anthropology.
The Archaeology Track 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.
The Linguistic Anthropology Track 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 - 38 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Thesis | Thesis is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Anthropology – Research M.A.
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 - 38 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.