The Department of Anthropology offers two distinct anthropology graduate degree programs. The program leading to the Master of Arts in Anthropology (MA) is a thesis-based program designed to prepare students for research and development and further study at the doctoral level. The program leading to the Master of Applied Anthropology (MAA) degree is a professional science masters (PSM) designed to prepare students for science careers in business, government, or non-profit organizations. The degree combines rigorous study in anthropological science with skill-based coursework in management, policy, verbal communication, GIS, and technical writing. The program consists of two years of academic preparation with a professional component that includes an internship or other work-related experience. In anthropology the MAA prepares students for careers in cultural resource management, forensics, and museum work.
Boise State’s graduate programs in anthropology emphasize ecological and biosocial perspectives in the study of humans.
Master of Arts in Anthropology
The curriculum requires a core sequence in anthropology with a significant emphasis on methodology and theory, a sequence of electives, a preliminary examination, and a thesis. The thesis will be expected to be of sufficient quality to warrant publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
MASTERS OF ARTS IN ANTHROPOLOGY CHECKLIST
Boise State Graduate Anthropology Students Handbook
Master of Applied Anthropology
The curriculum combines rigorous study in anthropological science (STEM) with skill-based coursework in management, policy, verbal communication, GIS, and technical writing. The program consists of two years of academic preparation with a professional component that includes an internship or other work-related experience.
MASTERS OF APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY CHECKLIST
Boise State Graduate Anthropology Students Handbook
Language Requirement: The department requires students planning to pursue the Ph.D. degree to complete at least one year of a foreign language. Courses taken at the undergraduate level may be accepted in fulfillment of the requirement. Research in some geographic areas may require additional language skills.