

The Anthropology Master of Arts program at the University of North Carolina provides students with comprehensive knowledge of human cultures, social structures, and evolutionary development. The curriculum emphasizes ethnography, cultural analysis, and archaeological research, preparing learners to explore the diversity of human experience and apply anthropological insights to contemporary issues. Students develop cultural analysis, research methodology, critical thinking, and analytical skills, equipping them to interpret human behavior and social patterns in varied contexts.
Throughout the program, learners engage in coursework, field research, and applied projects that integrate theoretical understanding with real world anthropological practice. Faculty mentorship guides students in conducting ethnographic studies, analyzing cultural data, and developing interpretive frameworks. By combining theory with practical research, students strengthen research skills, data interpretation abilities, fieldwork competence, and analytical insight, ensuring they are prepared for professional roles in research, cultural consultancy, and academic settings.
Semester 1 Foundations in Anthropology
• Cultural Anthropology
• Archaeology and Human Evolution
• Research Methods in Anthropology
• Ethnographic Fieldwork Techniques
Semester 2 Advanced Analysis and Applied Research
• Social and Political Organization
• Anthropology of Globalization
• Applied Research Project in Anthropology
• Elective Modules in Cultural or Biological Anthropology
Graduates of this program are prepared for professional roles that require expertise in research, cultural analysis, and applied anthropology. Many pursue careers in cultural consultancy, museum curation, heritage management, and academic research, applying anthropological methods to analyze human behavior and societal trends. Others work in NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations, conducting field studies, evaluating social programs, and developing culturally informed policies. The programs emphasis on research, applied fieldwork, and analytical skills equips graduates to address complex social and cultural challenges and excel in diverse professional environments.
This program is ideal for students who want to combine theoretical knowledge of anthropology with practical research and applied cultural analysis skills. Its curriculum emphasizes ethnographic research, cultural interpretation, and applied projects, providing learners with the tools to analyze human societies and inform decision making. Faculty mentorship supports students in developing research design, fieldwork proficiency, analytical reasoning, and applied problem solving. Through applied projects, field research, and research initiatives, learners strengthen cultural analysis expertise, research methodology skills, ethnographic proficiency, and applied analytical abilities, preparing them for impactful careers in research, heritage management, cultural consultancy, and academic settings.
Phone: +1 (919) 966-3621
Email: unchelp@admissions.unc.edu
Address: Jackson Hall, 174 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA