University of Southern Indiana

What you'll study

This programme builds a foundation in cultural anthropology, ethnographic method and social theory before focusing on the study of organisations, workplace cultures and institutional processes. Early coursework covers core subjects such as cultural anthropology, comparative societies, and introductory research methods. You then move into applied and specialised modules that examine organisational ethnography, workplace and occupational cultures, leadership and power, and the anthropology of work.

• Core methods: qualitative field methods, participant observation, interviewing, coding and qualitative data analysis.
• Theory and context: social and cultural theory, identity, race and ethnicity, gender and the workplace, globalisation and institutions.
• Organisational focus: organisational ethnography, corporate culture, change management from an anthropological perspective, and comparative institutional analysis.
• Research and practice: applied anthropology projects, practicum or internship with local employers, capstone research project or honours thesis.
• Complementary skills: courses in statistics for social sciences, business fundamentals, UX research methods, or communication and leadership to strengthen employability.

Entry requirements

Applicants should present a completed secondary school qualification recognised by the university and evidence of preparedness for university‑level study. Typical applicants will have a solid academic record and coursework in social sciences, English and mathematics where available. The admissions process usually considers transcripts, a personal statement describing interest in anthropology and organisational topics, and a letter of recommendation.

Because programmes and institutional policies change, prospective students should check the University of Southern Indiana admissions pages or contact the admissions office for current details on prerequisites, transfer credit, and any test‑score policies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a background in organisational anthropology are prepared for roles that require deep qualitative insight into people and institutions. Common career paths include:

• Human resources and organisational development — improving workplace culture, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and change management.
• Market research and consumer insight — using ethnographic methods to understand user behaviour and inform product development.
• User experience (UX) research — applying qualitative research to digital and service design.
• Consulting — organisational strategy, cultural assessment, and implementation of people-centred change.
• Public sector and non‑profit roles — programme evaluation, community engagement and policy research.
• Further study — postgraduate research (MA/PhD) or professional degrees in business, public policy or human‑centred design.

Why study at University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers a small‑class environment with accessible faculty who specialise in applied and community‑based research. Students benefit from hands‑on learning through field projects, internships with regional employers and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines such as business, psychology and communication. The university’s emphasis on undergraduate research and practicum experiences helps students develop a professional portfolio of ethnographic projects and workplace consultations that employers in the region and beyond value.

Additionally, the programme’s location supports engagement with a diverse set of organisations—private companies, healthcare institutions, educational settings and public agencies—providing varied sites for fieldwork and applied learning.