Lewis-Clark State College

What you'll study

This programme builds core training in cultural anthropology, ethnographic methods and theory alongside specialised courses on organisations, workplaces and institutional culture. You will study topics such as cultural theory, ethnography, qualitative research methods, contemporary organisational theory, leadership and culture, cross‑cultural communication, and the anthropology of work.

• Foundations of Anthropology – introduction to cultural anthropology, comparative approaches and key theoretical perspectives.
• Research Methods & Ethnography – participant observation, interviewing, qualitative data analysis and ethical practice in fieldwork.
• Organisational Anthropology – study of organisational culture, practices, power relations, change management and institutional ethnography.
• Applied Anthropology – courses focused on how anthropological approaches inform design, human resources, policy, community engagement and consultancy.
• Regional and Indigenous Studies – attention to the histories and contemporary issues of the Pacific Northwest and local Indigenous communities, including collaborative research approaches.
• Capstone / Field Practicum – applied project or internship in an organisation, business, nonprofit or government setting culminating in a written thesis or professional portfolio.

Coursework emphasises experiential learning: small seminars, field projects, community partnerships and opportunities for internships or practicum placements with regional organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent; transfer students with college credits are welcomed. Admission is based on a review of academic transcripts and application materials. Typical preparation includes coursework in English, social studies and basic statistics or research methods.

• Submission of official high school or college transcripts.
• A personal statement describing academic interests and reasons for pursuing anthropology or organisational studies.
• Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and a summary of completed coursework.
• Recommendation letters or a résumé are optional but can strengthen applications, particularly for those with relevant work or volunteer experience.

Lewis‑Clark State College also supports adult learners and those returning to study; mature applicants are encouraged to discuss prior learning or professional experience with the department for possible credit or placement guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with a background in organisational anthropology are well placed for roles that require cultural analysis, qualitative research and people‑centred problem solving. Career paths commonly pursued include:

• Human resources, organisational development and change management.
• User experience (UX) research and design, product research for private sector firms.
• Policy analysis, community engagement and programme evaluation in government and NGOs.
• Consulting in diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace culture and mergers.
• Cultural resource management, museum work and public anthropology roles.
• Further academic study at master’s or doctoral level in anthropology, sociology, business or public policy.

Practical components of the programme—internships, applied projects and community partnerships—help build networks and a professional portfolio valued by employers across sectors.

Why study at Lewis‑Clark State College

Lewis‑Clark State College offers a close‑knit learning environment with small class sizes and accessible faculty, well suited to hands‑on and mentored research training. The anthropology programme draws on regional partnerships and an emphasis on applied learning, giving students opportunities to undertake ethnographic fieldwork and practicum placements with local businesses, government agencies and Indigenous communities.

Students benefit from cross‑disciplinary links across the college—business, education, criminal justice and public health—supporting diverse career pathways. The programme’s location in the Inland Northwest provides a rich setting for studying rural and Indigenous issues, workplace cultures in a regional economy, and conducting field research with community partners.