Anthropology Masters
The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Emergency Management offers an M.S. and M.A. degree in Anthropology. The masters program is based on the principle that graduate level education in Anthropology is a desirable preparation for a growing number of career orientations. The precise plan of study for each student will be established in consultation with the academic advisor. Graduate students are also expected to enhance their coursework and degree research by engaging in professional development activities such as paper or poster presentations or attendance at academic conferences, campus and community service, and teaching and research assistantships.
Sample positions that our graduates have obtained include teaching, contract archaeology, folklore program coordination, international studies program administration, and research analysis as cultural experts.
Degree Tracks
The focus of graduate education in Anthropology is directed toward two possible tracks: 1) the development of applied anthropologists and 2) advanced training for those planning to pursue a doctoral degree. Students may elect to take courses in a specialty area, or they may pursue a background in general anthropology. Subdisciplinary areas of specialization include cultural anthropology, archaeology, or biological anthropology. The Anthropology graduate program provides students with the opportunity to expand their existing background and perspectives through instruction and application of research methods and theory. Consequently, the first year of the program is designed to expose students to theory and a variety of research methods.
Masters Program Options
Two program options are available for students. In the thesis option, students work on a research-based thesis. Students typically test theoretical assumptions using primary or secondary data. The comprehensive study option is designed for students who wish to combine their studies with some type of specialized field experience. Students electing this option are required to complete a comprehensive study paper related to their internship, such as evaluating a program.
Requirements for the Degree
The masters degree (M.A. or M.S.) in Anthropology credit requirements consists of a minimum 30 credits (for the thesis option) or 35 credits (for the paper option), of which 16 must be didactic credits. Core requirements include the following:
- a theory-oriented Anthropology course (such as ANTH 680)
- a methods-oriented Anthropology course (such as ANTH 650)
- additional coursework to finish the 30-credit requirement (24 credits for thesis, 26 for paper)
- a research-based thesis or a comprehensive study paper
Anthropology Masters Program and Graduate School application information and procedures can be found on the NDSU Graduate School's web page.
If you have additional questions regarding the masters program, contact Dr. Timothy J. Kloberdanz (Timothy.Kloberdanz@ndsu.edu), Anthropology Coordinator.
