University of Tulsa

What you'll study

This master's blends core anthropological theory and methods with applied courses that address the culture, practices and systems of organisations. Teaching emphasises ethnography, qualitative methods and interpretive analysis, while offering interdisciplinary training in areas such as organisational behaviour, design research and management studies.

• Core modules typically include Cultural Theory, Ethnographic Methods, and Research Design and Analysis — providing a foundation in anthropological perspectives and rigorous qualitative methodology.
• Organisational and applied options cover topics such as Organisational Culture and Change, Work and Occupations, Applied Anthropology, and Corporate Ethnography, focusing on how culture shapes practices, decision-making and innovation inside organisations.
• Methods and tools emphasise participant observation, interview techniques, qualitative data coding, visual and digital ethnography, and translating findings into recommendations for stakeholders.
• Interdisciplinary electives may include courses in human-centred design, user experience research, labour studies, public policy or business fundamentals to situate anthropological insight in organisational contexts.
• Capstone or thesis options typically allow students to undertake an original research project: either a research thesis using ethnographic methods or a practicum/internship-based applied project with a partner organisation.
• Structure usually combines seminar-based coursework, supervised research, and applied placements or fieldwork carried out in organisational settings (local, regional or remote, depending on project scope).

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in anthropology or a related discipline (sociology, psychology, business, geography, human-centered design, etc.) with a solid academic record. Where applicants come from non-anthropology backgrounds, preparatory coursework or demonstration of relevant experience in research or organisational settings will strengthen an application.

• Official academic transcripts from prior degrees.
• A personal statement explaining research interests, relevant experience and reasons for pursuing organisational anthropology.
• Two academic or professional references addressing suitability for graduate research and applied work.
• A CV or résumé outlining relevant fieldwork, work experience or projects.
• Some programmes may request a writing sample or brief research proposal; GRE scores are not universally required — check the department's admissions guidance.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements (e.g. recognised academic English test scores or equivalent evidence of proficiency).

Career prospects

Graduates of an organisational anthropology master’s programme move into roles that require qualitative insight, cultural analysis and the capacity to translate human-centred research into organisational change. The degree is designed to prepare students for applied positions as well as for further academic study.

• Corporate and management consultancy roles focusing on organisational change, culture and employee experience.
• User research and UX strategy positions in technology, product development and design firms.
• Human resources, learning and development, and talent management roles that integrate ethnographic approaches to workplace issues.
• Market and consumer insight positions that apply qualitative methods to understand customer behaviour and product fit.
• Roles in public sector organisations, non-profits and international organisations concerned with programme evaluation, community engagement and policy design.
• Research and teaching paths via progression to doctoral study in anthropology, organizational studies or related social sciences.

Why study at University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa offers a close-knit department environment where students work directly with faculty on applied research projects and hands-on fieldwork. The programme benefits from the university's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, linking anthropology with business, design and public policy initiatives.

• Small cohort sizes and accessible faculty supervision, which support tailored research training and mentorship.
• Opportunities to conduct fieldwork with local organisations and regional partners, allowing students to develop practical, employer-relevant skills.
• Access to interdisciplinary resources across the university, including centres and programmes that connect social research to industry and civic partners.
• A focus on translating ethnographic findings into actionable recommendations — ideal for students keen to apply anthropological methods to real-world organisational challenges.