The opportunity for graduate students to develop independent research and projects, to conduct original research toward the development of a final anthropological master's thesis or project provides graduate students a strong foundation in the discipline. Research and applied projects are encouraged in the fields of archaeology and sociocultural anthropology with research.
The Sociocultural concentration trains students in ethnographic methods and collaborative research approaches, providing opportunities to work with communities at the local, regional, national, and international levels. Opportunities exist in the areas of medical, development, environmental, and educational anthropology.
The Archaeology concentration 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.
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. |
| Thesis | Thesis is required. |
| Comprehensive Exam | Comprehensive Exam is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
Anthropology integrates scientific and humanistic approaches to the study of people and culture informing our two goals:
The scope of the program encompasses past, present, and future perspectives on the human condition, within the subfields of archaeology, socio-cultural, linguistic, and biological anthropology.
The content focuses on the range of human cultural and biological diversity through anthropology's core concepts, theories, methods, and major debates. Skills developed include critical thinking, research methods and analysis, effective writing, and constructive dialogue.
Student focused learning experiences include innovative coursework, research opportunities, community engagement, laboratory and field training, and internships.
The Sociocultural Concentration focuses on the range of human cultural diversity and anthropological perspectives, ethics, and theory. It covers the intersections of language and discourse, kinship, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, religion, economics, social inequality, politics, environment, culture change, and globalization. The skills developed included: critical reading and writing, effective communication skills, cross-cultural and holistic perspectives, analysis of culture, and ethical awareness.
The Archaeology Concentration focuses on the interdisciplinary understanding of past human lives through the scientific study of material culture and biological remains using applicable theories in archaeology within a broader framework of heritage management. Skills acquired in this emphasis are field, lab, and curatorial methods as they apply to archaeological questions, interpreting the appropriate regulatory context for archaeological projects, and evaluating ethical dilemmas in archaeology.
The program prepares students for a range of professional careers in government, private sector, non-profit, and community-based organizations in addition to graduate and professional degree programs.
The master's program is best suited for students interested in careers in cultural resource and heritage management, human resources, health, development, and academia.
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 Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
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.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Master's degree requires 37 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 37 units:
Anthropology Course Requirements (19 units)
Thesis (6 units)
*You may count only 6 units of thesis credit toward your degree; however, you may end up taking more than 6 thesis units since you must register for it each semester while you are working on your thesis.
Archaeology Concentration (18 units)
*Students entering with extensive undergraduate training in anthropology may petition to have this requirement waived.
Sociocultural Concentration (18 units)
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.