Anthropology at Illinois State offers a captivating exploration into the human experience, from our evolutionary origins to contemporary society. The program encourages curiosity and aims to answer profound questions like where we come from, what it means to be human, and why people behave as they do. As a student, you'll delve into cultures, language, artifacts, and the impacts of anthropology on issues like poverty, health, and social justice. The curriculum integrates classroom learning with real-world applications through civic engagement and projects designed to make a positive difference. You'll gain a broad foundation in the field, which can be tailored to your specific interests, whether it's archaeology, linguistic anthropology, cultural studies, or biological anthropology. The program emphasizes active learning, hands-on experiences, and research opportunities, including field schools around the globe, where you can work directly with artifacts, bones, and community projects.
Why this course is highly recommended
This program is ideal for students who are passionate about learning through active participation. It offers hands-on opportunities such as working with real artifacts and bones, participating in field schools worldwide, and engaging in impactful research projects. The faculty's supportive and individualized mentorship approach enhances learning, making it suitable for students who enjoy exploring diverse cultures and human history while developing valuable skills like analysis, communication, and problem-solving. The program emphasizes civic engagement and real-world impact, which appeals to students looking to make a difference in society.
Students in the program can focus on various aspects of anthropology based on their interests, including archaeology, linguistic anthropology, cultural anthropology, and biological anthropology. The curriculum provides a basic foundation in all these areas with the flexibility to pursue a specific focus later on.
Application fees
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1st year tuition fees
23.46L
Living cost
The program offers a research-based master's degree that is flexible and typically completed in two years. It encourages personalized mentorship and active engagement in research projects. Specific course requirements and sample study plans are available in the program catalog and related resources.

English language test
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and acceptance rates for international students? Visit the Illinois State University admission page
for complete details.
Graduates are prepared for diverse careers beyond traditional anthropology roles. Many apply their skills in fields such as business, education, film, and non-profits. The program equips students with essential skills like writing, analysis, communication, and problem-solving, which are highly valued across many industries.