MA in Applied Anthropology, Mississippi State University

Starkville, Mississippi

24 Months

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About this course

This Master's program in Anthropology, offered by the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, is designed with an applied focus. It prepares students to use anthropological knowledge to solve practical problems for various clients, including government agencies, community groups, and private organizations. The curriculum combines coursework, a thesis, an internship, and an oral exam, emphasizing real-world application of traditional anthropological methods.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is ideal for students seeking practical anthropological skills tailored for careers in both public and private sectors. The focus on applied methods, diverse specialties, and international research opportunities makes it suitable for those aiming to work in applied settings, government agencies, or seek further graduate studies.

Specialisation

Students can choose to specialize in either applied archaeology or applied cultural anthropology. The archaeology focus covers cultural resources management, archaeological methods, and ethics, primarily emphasizing the Southeastern U.S. but adaptable elsewhere. The cultural anthropology track emphasizes environmental, medical, development, economic, business, and urban anthropology, with opportunities for ethnographic research in the U.S. and internationally.

Course fees

Application fees

22.86L

1st year tuition fees

22.86L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To complete the Master of Arts in Anthropology, students need to complete 25 hours of graduate coursework, a thesis, an internship of one semester or summer (5 credit hours), and pass an oral exam.

English language test

IELTS

4.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates with practical experience from this program are in demand within government agencies at local, state, and federal levels, as well as in private businesses and NGOs. The program prepares students for careers as professional anthropologists working on cultural resource management, healthcare, historic preservation, economic development, museum design, forensics, and migrant settlement, among others.

FAQs

What are the specialization options in this program?

Students can choose between applied archaeology, focusing on cultural resources management, or applied cultural anthropology, emphasizing environmental, medical, development, economic, business, and urban anthropology.

Is there an international component to the program?

Yes, students can pursue thesis topics in the U.S. or internationally, with faculty expertise spanning the U.S., Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa.