Professional Applications in Anthropology - Master of Arts (this program is in moratorium effective Fall 2020 through Fall 2020)

The Master of Arts in Professional Applications in Anthropology will allow students to select a flexible but highly focused plan of study to prepare for positions as practicing anthropologists in government or the private sector. In addition to specialized training within the field of anthropology, students will be expected to elect courses in a field related to the practice of anthropology such as geographical information systems (GIS), cartography, resource development, management of nonprofit organizations, museum studies, or another practice-oriented specialty that is approved by the student’s guidance committee. Students will also obtain experience as practicing professionals.

This program includes three areas of professional development: (1) in-depth knowledge of the discipline of anthropology; (2) demonstrated command of communication and presentation skills, as shown in the writing and public presentation of a master’s paper; (3) demonstrated practical experience, obtained either as part of past employment, or as an internship within the public or private sector.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and the College of Social Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Students applying for to the master’s program in professional applications in anthropology will be considered regardless of the field of their previous academic training. It is, however, recommended that students have earned at least 12 undergraduate credits in anthropology before entering the program. on other than a provisional status is normally contingent upon the possession of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university, and a junior-senior undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or better in academic studies.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Professional Applications in Anthropology

Students who are enrolled in the Master of Arts degree program with a major in Professional Applications in Anthropology must complete a minimum of 30 credits, 15 which must be earned in anthropology, under Plan B (without thesis). The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s guidance committee. Normally students complete the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in two years.

The student must meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of Anthropology 840, 855, and 901.
2. A methods course in anthropology.
3. Completion of additional courses in anthropology and other disciplines.
4. Satisfactory completion and presentation of a master’s paper, which is submitted to the Department.
5. Completion of an approved internship, Anthropology 900, unless this requirement is specifically waived by the student’s guidance committee.

Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for fall semester 2022. In addition, MSU will be expanding the ability for students to receive provisional admission. If a provisionally admitted student is able to take a test that meets our regular admission standards prior to enrollment, we will update their admission status to regular.