Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Anthropology

Anthropology, Master of Arts


Academic Information

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 or applied project. Our department succeeds in mentoring graduate students with opportunities to further their professional and academic development in anthropology.

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Anthropology

Anthropology, Master of Arts


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Arts in Anthropology?

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.
 

With further education, one of these paths is possible:
  • Forensic anthropologist
  • Medical anthropologist
  • Museum curator or educator
  • Public land agency archaeologist
  • Private sector cultural resource manager
  • Tribal historic preservation officer
  • Nonprofit project manager
  • Community development worker
  • International aid/development worker
  • Market researcher
  • Human resources officer
  • Public relations officer
  • Public health officer
  • Heritage manager
  • Sales research and marketing
  • User experience analyst

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Anthropology

Anthropology, Master of Arts


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Anthropology

Anthropology, Master of Arts


Overview

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.
 

Student Learning Outcomes 

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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Anthropology

Anthropology, Master of Arts


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2023-2024

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Anthropology

Anthropology, Master of Arts


Campus Availability

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