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Masters in Anthropology Online
Popularly known for its diverse and multi-perspectival investigations, Anthropology studies various social aspects of human cultures and societies and the biological and historical factors that affect human society. While Cultural Anthropology looks at values and culture, Social Anthropology explores societal behavior patterns, including customs, rituals, practices, and norms. Master’s in Anthropology online programs are focused on the blending of both applied and academic approaches: to teach students how to conduct applied projects and employ quantitative reasoning used in applied anthropology typically used for research and fieldwork, and training in the methods of applied anthropology. The study of Anthropology often provides ample opportunity for students to travel to new locations, learn and understand new cultures, and expose themselves to a range of cross-border social skills.
Featured Online Programs
Best Masters in Anthropology Online Programs
When looking for a Master’s in Anthropology online program, students must always compare two or more colleges (and programs) to see what suits them best. After all, one program tends to vary from another in coursework, requirements, research, and outcomes. Factoring aspects such as the experience of teachers, quality of instruction, research facilities, cost, etc., are advisable before applying for admission. To help with this process, here is a list of some of the best Anthropology programs available:
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 University of Maryland College Park, Maryland 20742 |
$13,158 | 87% |
|
#2 Biola University 13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, California 90639 |
$11,772 | 74% |
|
#3 Bob Jones University 1700 Wade Hampton Boulavard, Greenville, South Carolina 29614 |
$8,793 | 66% |
|
#4 Ohio University 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701 |
$9,444 | 65% |
|
#5 Eastern University 1300 Eagle Rd, Saint Davids, Pennsylvania 19087 |
$13,374 | 59% |
|
#6 Trinity International University 2065 Half Day Rd, Deerfield, Illinois 60015 |
$17,280 | 59% |
|
#7 University of North Texas 1501 W.Chestnut Ave., Denton, Texas 76203 |
$6,350 | 56% |
|
#8 Multnomah University 8435 NE Glisan St, Portland, Oregon 97220 |
$13,920 | 55% |
|
#9 Columbia International University 7435 Monticello Rd, Columbia, South Carolina 29203 |
$9,540 | 51% |
|
#10 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 |
$7,935 | 47% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding Masters in Anthropology Programs
A Master’s in Anthropology online program takes a broad view of the many diverse aspects of the human experience, known as ‘holism’, and looks deep into what constitutes our biological organisms, genetics, diet, and health. The program also compares humans with other animals (mostly other primates such as monkeys and chimpanzees) to see what is common and unique to us and archeologically explores history to see how humans lived thousands of years ago.
Anthropology degrees can focus on studying five common subfields – Archeology, Biological Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Forensic Anthropology.
Masters in Anthropology Degree Types
Although very few colleges may offer a Master of Science or MS in Anthropology, it is predominantly the Master of Arts or MA in Anthropology commonly available in the United States. However, there are two variants of this Master’s in Anthropology online degree conferred – an Academic Anthropology Degree and an Applied Anthropology Degree. While the former is best suited for those who wish to take up teaching or pursue a Ph.D., the latter is better suited to individuals who prefer to research or work in the field.
MA Anthropology
Stemming from the larger department of arts and Humanities, the Master of Arts or MA Anthropology is the most common Master’s program available for students of Anthropology. Typically spanning two years, this degree aims to equip students with the skills and competence needed to study, research, and apply the various approaches to Anthropology through theoretical and practical techniques.
Specializations in Masters in Anthropology Programs
Within the larger sphere of a Master’s in Anthropology online program, there are various specializations and concentrations students can choose from, to form a basis for their future Ph.D. studies or for meeting individual professional goals. Some of the specializations in the field of Anthropology include:
- Anthropology (General/Academic)
- Applied Anthropology
- Cultural Anthropology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Physical Anthropology
- Biological Anthropology
- Medical Anthropology
- Museum Anthropology
- Socio-cultural Anthropology
- Evolutionary Anthropology
- Critical Interventions in Theory and Ethnography
- Archaeology
- Nautical Archeology
- Ecology and Evolution
- Ethnography
Concentrations include:
- Health, Medicine, and Humanity
- Race, Difference, and Power
- Global Engagement
- Social Formations and Processes
- Heritage and Unwritten Histories
- Food, Environment, and Sustainability
Curriculum and Skills Gained in Masters in Anthropology Online Programs
Online Anthropology courses of an Anthropology Degree vary by college and by the sub-field one may have opted for. As is generally the case, students will have to take up basic coursework, methodology, electives, and sometimes a project or thesis as well.
Here are some courses related to anthropology that usually make up the curriculum of a Master’s in Anthropology online program:
- Foundations of Anthropological Theory and Method
- Anthropological Research Design
- Animals and Humans
- Social and Cultural Theory
- Advanced Seminar in Archeology, Theory, and Practice
- Advanced Seminar in Cultural Anthropology
- Advanced Quantitative Methods in Anthropology
- Advanced Ethnographic Research Methods
- Human Osteology and Lab
- Computer-Assisted Data Analysis in Anthropology
- Applied Anthropology
- Food and Culture
- Mayan Archeology
- Aztec Archeology
- Ethnographic Field Work
- Language and Cultural Cognition
Graduates of a Master’s in Anthropology online degree will develop and demonstrate a whole set of skills that include but are not limited to:
- the ability to identify and engage with analytical, philosophical, and real-world issues, as well as draw relevant conclusions;
- the creation and deployment of the techniques of ethnography, as a research approach and method;
- the use of advanced expertise and theoretical basis in each of the subfields of Anthropology;
- recognition of the importance of Anthropological study in social, political, and economic discussions; and
- the expertise to use oral and written communication and persuasive argumentation.
Accreditation for Masters in Anthropology Online Programs
Since the study of Anthropology can be narrowed down to one of its subfields or a specific concentration, the program in question should be endorsed and attested by a relevant department, agency, or organization. An example of such an accreditation organization is the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB) for Forensic Anthropology. This makes the course or degree of value and adds recognition for it in the job market. It is for this reason that finding an accredited Master’s in Anthropology online program is imperative. Having said that, if Programmatic Accreditation is hard to come by, one should at least check to see if the college one is applying to is accredited at the regional or national level. There is much to know and learn about accreditation, and students should understand its importance.
Timeline for graduation from Masters in Anthropology Online Programs
The length of any Master’s degree is determined by a variety of variables, including the structure and format of the program, as well as any additional university-specific criteria. Be that as it may, in most cases, a Master’s in Anthropology online program takes about 1 to 2 years to complete.
In terms of credit hours, many colleges require a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of approved courses and research for a thesis-based MA Anthropology degree. For the non-thesis option, a minimum of 36 semester credit hours of approved courses is usually required.
In general, full-time students can expect to graduate well within one year, while part-time students may require at least two or more years to complete the program.
Masters in Anthropology Online Programs Admission Requirements
For almost all Master’s in Anthropology online programs, the admissions requirements are largely the same. That said, there could very well be additional requirements and prerequisites that some colleges may ask for. Reading the program guide is always advisable to check for exact details. Here is a snapshot of a Master’s in Anthropology requirements (not all may be required by some colleges):
- Application Form with its Prescribed Fee.
- Academic Transcripts.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose indicating Study, Research, and Career Objectives.
- A 2-page Essay or Sample Research Paper to demonstrate Research and Writing Skills.
- 2 to 3 Letters of Recommendation.
In general, applicants with Bachelor’s Degrees in medicine, psychiatry, foreign affairs, international relations, business, library science, social work, the arts, demography, theology, architecture, law, planning, community affairs, criminology, and linguistics and are encouraged to apply for admission to a Master’s in Anthropology online program.
For those students who have a Grade Point Average (GPA) less than 3.0, colleges may ask for a GRE score that is at or above the 50th percentile on two of the three portions of the test.
Free Online Anthropology Courses
There are no Universities that offer a Master’s in Anthropology online, free of cost. However, many of them conduct free Anthropology classes that can be of immense help to graduate students or for research work. Some of the resources to find free courses and lessons on Anthropology are:
- MIT OpenCourseWare
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s OpenCourseWare offers a few free Anthropology Courses at the graduate level. - EdX
EdX has courses on topics such as Gender & Sexuality, Evolutionary Medicine, Past, Present and Future of Urban Life, and more. - Class Central
Class Central has a compilation of some 80+ courses, some of which are from Harvard University, University of North Carolina, Princeton University, and others. - Coursesity
Coursesity is another great place for free Anthropology courses online, many of which come with a Certificate.
One Year Masters in Anthropology Programs
It is not uncommon for students to want to finish up their education as early as possible. This is the primary reason why they look for one-year or accelerated programs. There are a few one year Master’s Anthropology programs available across the country; however, one should bear in mind that there are many factors that could affect the actual length of time it takes to graduate, such as the program structure, any required prerequisites, full-time or part-time studies, etc.
How to Pay for Masters in Anthropology Online Programs
Pursuing a Master’s in Anthropology online could be expensive, depending on the college. Unfortunately, inflating costs of a Master’s program gives rise to the need to look for funding mechanisms that can ease student debt to a substantial extent. The list below shows a few such potential funding mechanisms for students to explore and consider:
Scholarships
Scholarships are relatively easier to apply for and one of the most popular means of funding advanced education. The main reason for this is that scholarships are akin to ‘free money, in that a student is not required to pay back the award amount. (There are several Scholarship Scams that students should not fall prey to.)
Grants
Grants, typically provided by the federal, state, or private sectors, are funds that cover the costs of tuition or other associated student expenses, such as study materials, transport, equipment, etc.
Federal Loans
Another possible way of raising money for education is Federal or Private Loans. However, Loans are granted on interest and may contribute to student debt if not paid back in time.
Fellowships
Full-time students are generally eligible for merit-based or project-based awards, known as Fellowships, that assist them in pursuing their higher studies.
Assistantships
There are largely two types of Assistantships – Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships that may be available for a Master’s in Anthropology in certain Universities. Assistantships allow a student to teach, work or research at the college while studying at the same time.
Working on Campus
Some Universities ‘employ’ their students to work on their campus. Unlike Assistantships, this option treats the student like any other ‘employee’, but the money earned from such employment can at least partly fund their tuition fee.
The best Financial Guide should be read to understand college funding better.
FAQs about Anthropology Programs
| Q: Masters in Anthropology worth it? |
| A: If an individual’s passion is the study of humanity in all of its diversity or related fields such as archeology, sociology, ethnography, etc., a Master’s in Anthropology can be the apt choice and an enriching experience. With a variety of jobs to choose from and the opportunity to travel, interact with others, and explore the world – past, present, and future, this degree is certainly worth one’s salt. |
| Q: How to get a degree in Anthropology? |
| A: To enroll for a degree in Anthropology, applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s program, preferably in subjects connected with arts and humanities, and meet certain other admission criteria listed out on this page. |
| Q: What can I do with a Master’s in Anthropology? |
| A: With a Master’s in Anthropology, graduates can go on to take up jobs in various fields, ranging from politics to archeology to teaching, forensic science, and a whole lot more. |
Careers and Salary Outlook for Masters in Anthropology Graduates
A Master’s in Anthropology online opens a plethora of career paths to choose from. Graduates can take up work for consulting firms, the government, museums, social work, etc. Here is a small list of careers an Anthropology degree can provide:
- Anthropologists
- Archeologists
- Geographers
- Sociologists
- Museum Curators
- Sociologists
- Political Scientists
- Archivists
- Historians
- Museum Technicians and Conservators
- Survey Researchers
- Legislators
- Lawyers
- Post-Secondary Teachers
- Forensic Science Technicians
The overall job outlook for Master’s in Anthropology graduates is rather positive. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of Anthropologists and Archeologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. When it comes to how much a job in Anthropology or a related field yields, here are a few examples of jobs and their typical median annual salaries, also reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Archivists, Curators and Museum Workers: $52,140
- Economists: $1,08,350
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists: $73,230
- Geographers: $85,430
- Historians: $63,100
- Post-secondary Teachers: $80,790
- Psychologists: $82,180
- Sociologists: $86,110
- Survey Researchers: $59,870
- Anthropologists and Archaeologists: $66,130
Certifications and Licensing for Anthropology Graduates
Certifications assist Masters in Anthropology online graduates in obtaining a particular job or allowing students to take focused coursework in a specific field of Anthropology. There are quite a few Universities and other independent institutions that offer Anthropology Certificate Programs online. For example, the University of South Carolina offers Certifications in Historical Archeology and Cultural Resource Management, Museum Management, and Women and Gender Studies. Another example is the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA), with a Certification in Forensic Anthropology for individual practitioners.
Touching upon the topic of Licensure – most careers relating to Anthropology do not necessitate any additional licensing or special certification. In general, employers look for a Master’s in Anthropology degree from a reputed and accredited University. On the other hand, there are chances that Forensic Anthropologists who work for or with the government may be required to undergo special training and even perhaps security clearance, but may still not require any license in particular.
Additional Resources for Anthropology Professionals
Resources can assist students, and even professionals, with their Anthropology studies and research. A graduate of a Master’s in Anthropology online should stay up to date with current research and professional practices. Connecting with like-minded peers is always advisable, as individuals and groups can get the support they may need to advance their careers. Membership with professional associations is a great way to identify workshops, seminars, and conferences in Anthropology as well. Here are a few that cater to several fields of Anthropology:
- American Association of Physical Anthropologists (AAPA)
The American Association of Physical Anthropologists (AAPA) has a wealth of resources that span careers, webinars, publications, and more. - Association of Latino and Latina Anthropologists (ALLA)
In addition to offering Scholarships and Awards, the Association of Latino and Latina Anthropologists (ALLA) has several publications and better caters to Latino/Latina students and professionals in particular. - National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA)
The National Association for the Practice of Anthropology (NAPA) offers mentoring, internship tips, fellowships, and information on careers, among other resources. - Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA)
The Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) promotes the investigation of the principles of human behavior and the application of these principles to contemporary issues and problems. The site hosts webinars, publications, and job postings and has an excellent online community as well. - Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
From resources for Archeologists and Educators to publications and online seminars, the Society for American Archeology (SAA) caters to the many needs of individuals connected with Archeology. - American Anthropological Association (AAA)
With the American Anthropological Association (AAA), students and professionals can stay informed, attend events, learn and teach, participate and advocate, advance their careers, and connect with like-minded people in the field of Anthropology.
