CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme combines core anthropological theory and methods with specialised courses in organisational analysis, workplace ethnography and applied research. Typical modules include:

• Theories of Culture and Organisation — classical and contemporary frameworks for understanding institutions, bureaucracy, power and meaning in organisational settings.
• Ethnographic Methods for Organisations — participant observation, interviewing, fieldnotes and reflexive approaches adapted to workplace research.
• Qualitative Data Analysis — coding, thematic analysis, discourse analysis and tools for handling large qualitative datasets.
• Mixed Methods and Evaluation — integrating survey, network and ethnographic methods for organisational assessment and programme evaluation.
• Workplace Culture and Change — studies of organisational identity, leadership, diversity and the dynamics of change and resistance.
• Applied Anthropology Practicum or Internship — supervised placement with a company, NGO, public agency or research centre to apply methods in a real-world setting.
• Research Design and Thesis/Capstone Project — students complete an original research project, typically an MA thesis or professional capstone that addresses an organisational problem through anthropological inquiry.

Courses are taught by faculty across the CUNY system, drawing on urban, medical, linguistic and visual anthropology as relevant to organisational topics. Seminars emphasise comparative cases from private, public and non-profit sectors, and workshops develop practical skills in project design, stakeholder engagement and report writing.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a recognised undergraduate degree in anthropology or a related field (sociology, psychology, business, public policy or international relations) with a strong academic record. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement that outlines research interests in organisational anthropology, and two academic or professional references.

A writing sample demonstrating analytical capacity and familiarity with social science methods is usually required; some applicants may be admitted with relevant professional experience in lieu of a directly related degree. GRE scores are not routinely required by CUNY programmes, but applicants should check the specific campus or Graduate Center guidance. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of an organisational anthropology pathway pursue a range of roles where qualitative insight into human behaviour and institutions is valued. Common career paths include:

• UX and customer research in technology and design firms
• Organisational development, change management and human resources consulting
• Policy analysis, programme evaluation and research roles in government and NGOs
• Corporate ethnography and market insight positions in private sector companies
• Research and teaching in higher education or applied research centres
• Independent consultancy specialising in diversity, inclusion, workplace culture or stakeholder engagement

The programme’s practicum and New York City location give students access to internship and networking opportunities with a broad range of employers, helping to translate anthropological skills into industry-relevant outputs such as ethnographies, impact assessments and strategic recommendations.

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

CUNY offers access to an extensive network of faculty and research centres across its colleges and the Graduate Center, with particular strengths in urban and applied anthropology. Studying within the CUNY system provides opportunities to conduct fieldwork in one of the world’s most diverse metropolitan labour markets and to engage directly with organisations across sectors in New York City.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across public policy, business, public health and media departments within CUNY, as well as from connections to local museums, community organisations and municipal agencies. The programme emphasises applied skills, professional placements and mentorship from faculty active in both academic and applied research, preparing graduates for practical careers where anthropological perspectives make an impact.