Master of Arts in Anthropology

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

Embark on a transformative academic journey with the Master of Arts in Anthropology at Southern Illinois University, a postgraduate program designed for those passionate about understanding the complexities of human culture, society, and evolution. This degree is ideal for students seeking to develop advanced ethnographic research methods and theoretical frameworks to explore diverse topics such as ecological anthropology, identities, and the anthropology of science and technology. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of anthropological theory and method, preparing you to critically analyze global issues and contribute meaningfully to the field through rigorous academic inquiry.

This full-time, on-campus Master of Arts program is typically completed over two years, offering a flexible curriculum that allows you to tailor your studies to your specific interests. You will engage in advanced seminars, develop your own research projects, and potentially undertake fieldwork, culminating in a substantial thesis or research paper. You will work closely with faculty whose research spans from local ecosystems to international contexts, gaining practical experience and developing the analytical and research skills essential for careers in academia, cultural resource management, policy, or non-profit organizations.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Anthropology program offers a comprehensive exploration of human societies, cultures, and biological origins. Students engage with diverse topics including ethnomusicology, ecological anthropology, visual anthropology, and the archaeology of various regions. The curriculum also delves into linguistic anthropology, human evolution, and advanced research methodologies, preparing graduates for scholarly and professional pursuits in the field.

1 Modules

Anthropology and Science Fiction
Ethnomusicology: Theory and Method
African Expressive Culture
Identities: Global Studies in Culture and Power
Ecological Anthropology
Transcending Gender
Anthropology of Popular Culture
Colonialism and Post-Colonialism
Ethics and Research
Food, Symbol and Society
Anthropology of Science and Technology
Ethnographic Research Methods
Anarchy, Power and Egalitarianism: Anthropological Perspectives
Visual Anthropology
Visual Anthropology as a Research Methodology
African Film
Sociolinguistics
Spanish in the U.S.A.
Language Contact
Gender, Culture and Language
Archaeology of North America
Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
Advanced Origins of Civilization
The Fossil Evidence for Human Evolution
Context of Human Evolution
Laboratory Analysis in Archaeology: Ceramics
Laboratory Analysis in Archaeology: Lithics
Working with Anthropological Collections
Special Topics in Biological Anthropology
Primate Behavior and Ecology
Quantitative Methods
Osteology
Forensic Taphonomy
Individual Study in Anthropology
People and Cultures-Africa
Peoples and Cultures of Europe
Internship: Curation of Archaeological Collections
Special Topics in Anthropology
Ethnographic Field School
Field School in Archaeology
Field School in Bioarchaeology
Theory and Method in Biological Anthropology
Theory and Method in Linguistic Anthropology
Theory and Method in Archaeology
Theory and Methods in Sociocultural Anthropology
History of Anthropological Theory
Practicum in Educational Anthropology
Seminar Archaeology of North America
Seminar in Meso-American Archaeology
Seminar in Archaeology
Seminar in Sociocultural Anthropology
Seminar in Sociocultural Anthropology
Seminar in Anthropology of Africa
Theorizing the Body
Seminar in Gender
Seminar in Culture and Materiality
Seminar in Paleoanthropology
Seminar in Bioarchaeology
Seminar in Human Biological Variation
Seminar in Evolutionary Theory
Seminar in Primate Behavior and Ecology
Seminar in Primate Evolution
Discourse Analysis
Seminar in Anthropological Linguistics
Language, Gender and Sexuality: Anthropological Approaches
The Linguistic Anthropology of Education
Pragmatics
Evolution Seminar
Curation of Biological Collections
Phylogenetics
Seminar in Comparative Social Organization
Seminar in Anthropological Theory and Method
Seminar in Analytical Methods in Archaeology
Seminar in Anthropological Research Design
Current Topics in Evolution
Seminar in Anthropology
Readings in Anthropology
Internship
Field Methods in Ethnology
Advanced Field Methods in Archaeology
Fieldwork in Anthropology
Accelerated Thesis
Thesis
Dissertation
Continuing Enrollment
Postdoctoral Research

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,170.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,170.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 56,340.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,950.00 - USD 2,250.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Carbondale campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

53%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAerospace Engineering & DesignAirport Infrastructure & Aviation SecurityCommercial AviationCurriculum & Instructional DesignEarly Childhood & Primary EducationHigher Education & UniversitiesMental Health & CounselingNursing & Allied HealthUrban Mobility & Smart Transport

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Chicago Public Schools

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

United States Air Force

Why Study Master of Arts in Anthropology at Southern Illinois University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Southern Illinois University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Southern Illinois University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Master of Arts in Anthropology at Southern Illinois University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed for on-campus jobs.

What English language score do I need for this course?

International applicants must meet specific English language requirements. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, each with defined score thresholds.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as cultural resource managers, policy analysts, academic researchers, or work in non-profit organizations.

What will I actually study in this course?

The program focuses on advanced ethnographic research methods and the anthropology of science and technology. Over two years, you will engage in seminars, research projects, and possibly fieldwork, leading to a substantial thesis.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Master of Arts in Anthropology program has intake months in January and August. You can apply for either semester based on your readiness and schedule.
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