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Anthropology, M.A.

College of Arts and Sciences

Get fundamental training in four subfields of anthropology — archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology — with applied study experiences in each area.

Enjoy small cohorts with guaranteed funding through assistantships that will support your individual research goals. We offer flexible courses in basic and advanced theory and method, substantive knowledge areas, research design, data analysis and interpretation, and practical field skills. You'll also have a faculty mentor to help you succeed.

Program Highlights

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    Broad Scope

    Train in broad social theory as well as interdisciplinary, anthropological discourses for a well-rounded education.

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    Authentic Experiences

    Find rich opportunities for research through ethnographic and archaeological field schools locally and abroad.

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    Hands-on Training

    Gain experience through authentic simulations and laboratory classes in artifacts and material culture.

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    Ethics-Based

    Engage in four subfield anthropology perspectives, and gain extensive training in research ethics.

What You’ll Study

Describe and evaluate the historical development and contemporary expressions of anthropological theory. Recognize and describe research themes and content from all subfields. Conduct document-based and field research to engage in professional-level scholarly dialogue, lead classroom discussions and present scholarly papers. A thesis is required.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Analytical Reasoning

    Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

    Critical Thinking

    Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

    Cultural Awareness

    Learning about and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs

  • Intercultural Competence

    Developing the skills to communicate effectively and work collaboratively across cultures

    Laboratory Research

    Conducting experiments and analyzing data to gain new knowledge and insights in a scientific field

    Research

    Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • College Professor
  • Coroner Technician
  • Data Analyst
  • Exhibit Arranger
  • Field Archaeologist
  • Lab Technician

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Archaeologist
  • Lecturer
  • Teacher
  • Research Associate
  • Adjunct Professor

Workplace Settings

  • Education
  • Business
  • Museums
  • Health Care

Employers of Alumni

  • Brockington and Associates
  • Richard Grubb and Associates, Inc.
  • Guilford County Schools
  • University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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