Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The programme centres on anthropological theory and ethnographic method, applied to organisations, workplaces and institutional contexts. Core study typically includes qualitative research methods (participant observation, interviews, and fieldwork), theory in socio-cultural anthropology, and specialised seminars in organisational ethnography and applied anthropology.

• Ethnographic Methods: coursework and lab work focused on designing and conducting fieldwork, coding qualitative data, and producing analytic fieldnotes and reports.
• Organisational Ethnography: seminars that examine culture, power, routines and material practices inside organisations, and methods for studying teams, workflows and client relations.
• Applied Anthropology and Practice: project-based modules on translating anthropological insight into design decisions, policy recommendations, evaluation and change management.
• Quantitative & Mixed Methods: optional courses that introduce survey design, basic statistical analysis and the integration of qualitative and quantitative evidence.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options: students often take electives in areas such as business studies, human–computer interaction, public affairs, or information science to broaden applied skills.
• Capstone or Thesis: students choose between a research thesis based on original fieldwork or a practicum/capstone project that partners with an external organisation to address a real-world problem.

Structure

The MA is typically organised over one to two academic years depending on full-time or part-time enrolment, with a combination of seminars, independent study and a final thesis or practicum. Teaching is delivered through small seminars, methodological labs and supervised fieldwork.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Admissions expect evidence of academic preparation in anthropology or a related social science, or substantial relevant professional experience. Typical application materials include:

• Official transcripts showing degree completion and academic record.
• A personal statement describing research interests, reasons for pursuing organisational anthropology and proposed focus for study.
• Letters of recommendation, usually two or three, from academic or professional referees.
• A current CV or résumé documenting relevant experience, fieldwork or employment.
• A writing sample (such as an academic essay, fieldwork report or professional analysis) that demonstrates analytical and writing ability.

Standardised test requirements (for example GRE) vary; applicants should consult the department for current testing policy. International applicants will normally need to provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet an approved exemption.

Career prospects

Graduates with training in organisational anthropology move into a range of applied and research careers. Typical paths include:

• Corporate and Market Research: ethnographer or consumer insight specialist within product, marketing or strategy teams.
• User Experience and Design Research: UX researcher or design strategist working with product teams to translate ethnographic insight into user-centred design.
• Consulting and Organisational Change: roles in management consulting, change management and internal culture work where qualitative insight informs process redesign.
• Public Sector and NGOs: programme evaluation, policy analysis and stakeholder research for government agencies and non‑profit organisations.
• Academia and Further Research: students may continue to PhD study in anthropology or related disciplines, pursuing teaching and research careers.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington’s Department of Anthropology combines long-standing strengths in cultural theory and ethnographic training with opportunities for applied, interdisciplinary work. Students benefit from close faculty supervision, small seminar formats and access to university-wide resources that support applied projects.

The campus environment supports cross-disciplinary collaboration with programmes across the university in business, information science and public affairs, enabling organisational anthropology students to supplement core anthropological training with practical skills valued by employers. In addition, students can draw on the library collections, research methods workshops and career services available at Indiana University to develop project partnerships and professional networks in the region and beyond.