University of San Francisco

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced theoretical study in social and cultural anthropology with specialised training in organisational theory and qualitative methods. Core emphases include ethnography of work, organisational culture, power and governance, institutional change, and the anthropology of markets and technologies.

• Core coursework: contemporary anthropological theory, history of the discipline, and advanced qualitative methods (participant observation, interviewing, archival research).
• Organisational modules: organisational ethnography, cultures of work, bureaucracy and governance, organisational change, and the anthropology of financial, healthcare and tech institutions.
• Research methods and skills: design and ethics of fieldwork, mixed-methods approaches, digital ethnography, comparative case methods, and advanced data analysis and writing for publication.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to gain teaching experience, workshops on grant writing, public scholarship, and applied research communication.

The programme is structured around initial coursework, comprehensive or qualifying examinations, supervised fieldwork for a doctoral dissertation, and regular dissertation seminars. Students are expected to formulate a sustained research proposal, conduct extended field research often within organisational settings, and produce a doctoral dissertation that contributes theoretically and empirically to organisational anthropology.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a relevant master’s degree in anthropology or a closely related discipline, or to demonstrate equivalent preparation through prior graduate-level study and research experience. Successful applicants normally present:

• a strong academic record from a recognised institution;
• a clear statement of research interests or a preliminary research proposal showing alignment with faculty expertise in organisational anthropology;
• a writing sample of scholarly work (for example, a chapter, thesis excerpt or published article);
• a curriculum vitae detailing research, fieldwork, or professional experience; and
• three letters of recommendation that address scholarly potential and research readiness.

Admissions also consider relevant professional experience in organisational settings, prior ethnographic fieldwork, and evidence of capacity for independent research. Applicants whose first language is not English usually must demonstrate English proficiency according to university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of a PhD in Organizational Anthropology pursue a range of careers that draw on deep qualitative and interpretive skills. Common pathways include:

• academic careers in anthropology, sociology, management studies and related departments, including teaching and research positions;
• applied research roles in industry—user experience (UX) research, customer insight, organisational development and human-centred design teams;
• policy research and evaluation with government agencies, foundations and international organisations;
• consulting on organisational change, diversity and inclusion, or corporate culture for private and non-profit clients;
• roles in think tanks, museums, and public engagement that require research, interpretive, and communicative expertise.

The programme’s emphasis on ethnographic methods and theoretical rigour prepares graduates to translate complex social dynamics into actionable insights for academic and non-academic employers.

Why study at University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco offers a PhD environment shaped by a commitment to social justice, engaged scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the programme provides proximity to a diverse array of organisations—technology firms, start-ups, non-profits, healthcare institutions and financial organisations—facilitating fieldwork and applied research opportunities.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes and close mentorship from faculty with expertise in organisational and institutional ethnography, access to university resources for research and professional development, and opportunities to collaborate across departments such as business, public policy and design. The programme’s combination of rigorous theory, advanced methods training and applied engagement makes it well suited to students who want to influence both scholarly debates and real-world organisational practice.