CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in cultural, biological, linguistic and archaeological approaches to anthropology, then channels study into organisational contexts through specialised modules and practical projects. Teaching combines lectures, small-seminar discussion, lab and fieldwork, and often includes internship or practicum placements in New York City organisations.

• Core anthropological themes: cultural theory, history of anthropology, social organisation, identity, power and inequality.
• Research methods: ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, interviewing, qualitative analysis, basic quantitative methods and research ethics.
• Organisational modules: organisational ethnography, workplace cultures, corporate and institutional practice, business anthropology, design anthropology, change and organisational communication.
• Applied and interdisciplinary options: public anthropology, policy and programme evaluation, human-centred design, human resources anthropology, urban ethnography and globalisation.
• Capstone and field experience: a senior capstone project or thesis that applies ethnographic methods to an organisational problem; many students undertake internships or practicum placements with companies, NGOs, government agencies or community organisations in New York.

Students also complete the CUNY general education core, elective credits, and may take related courses in sociology, psychology, business, information studies or labour studies to supplement their anthropological training.

Entry requirements

CUNY’s undergraduate admissions pathways include first‑time freshmen and transfer applicants. Typical requirements include a recognised high school diploma or equivalent for freshmen and an associate degree or transferable college credits for transfers. Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong written communication and academic readiness for social science study.

• Academic record: satisfactory high school or college transcript demonstrating sustained performance in relevant subjects.
• Standardised testing: CUNY colleges have varying policies on standardised tests; check the specific campus for its current requirements or test-optional policies.
• Supporting materials: a personal statement, and sometimes letters of recommendation or a writing sample, may strengthen an application, particularly for competitive campuses or for transfer admission.
• International applicants: must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide credential evaluations for foreign transcripts.

Specific admissions criteria and any campus‑level prerequisites vary across CUNY colleges, so applicants should consult the anthropology department at the campus they intend to attend.

Career prospects

Graduates combine ethnographic and analytical skills with knowledge of organisations to pursue a wide range of careers. The programme emphasises practical research skills, cultural competency and communication — all in demand across sectors.

• Business and consulting: organisational development, user research, market research, people analytics and business anthropology roles.
• Non-profit and public sector: programme evaluation, community engagement, policy analysis, labour and workforce development.
• Design and technology: user experience (UX) research, service design and product research where qualitative insight into human behaviour is key.
• Human resources and training: diversity, equity and inclusion work, organisational change and workplace culture initiatives.
• Further study and research: graduate study in anthropology, sociology, organisational behaviour, public policy, law or business schools for specialised or academic careers.

Why study at CUNY (The City University of New York)

CUNY offers anthropology students direct access to one of the world’s most diverse urban laboratories. Across CUNY campuses, faculty research often focuses on urban life, labour, migration and institutional culture — themes central to organisational anthropology.

• Urban practicum opportunities: proximity to a wide spectrum of organisations, cultural institutions and community groups in New York City makes internships and fieldwork practicable and varied.
• Interdisciplinary resources: easy cross-registration and collaboration with neighbouring departments such as business, public affairs, labour studies and information sciences.
• Experienced faculty: instructors with expertise in ethnographic methods, applied anthropology and workplace studies who supervise capstone projects and community‑based research.
• Career support and networks: campus career services, alumni networks in the city and partnerships with employers help translate classroom skills into professional roles.

Prospective students should review the specific CUNY campus programme details and speak to department advisors to plan course selection, internships and any graduate study ambitions.