Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The doctoral programme emphasises advanced ethnographic methods, interdisciplinary theory and sustained empirical research on organisations, institutions and work. Early-stage coursework typically includes seminars in anthropological theory, advanced qualitative methods, research design, and specialised courses in organisational anthropology, political economy of organisations, markets and labour. Students also take electives that support comparative and interdisciplinary inquiry—examples include courses on economic anthropology, science and technology studies, material culture and the anthropology of institutions.

Training places strong emphasis on fieldwork and dissertation research. You will complete a programme of graduate seminars, pass qualifying or comprehensive examinations, and undertake original field research that culminates in a dissertation. Professional development components commonly include pedagogy and teaching practicum, grant-writing workshops and opportunities to present research at departmental colloquia and conferences.

• Core seminars: anthropological theory; ethnographic methods and methods in organisational analysis;
• Research skills: qualitative data analysis, research design, mixed-methods approaches where relevant;
• Focused electives: organisational behaviour from an anthropological perspective, markets and consumption, labour and workplace ethnography, governance and policy;
• Requirements: comprehensive/qualifying examinations, a dissertation prospectus, fieldwork and a defended dissertation;
• Professional training: teaching assistantships, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and public scholarship.

Entry requirements

Applicants typically hold a master’s degree in anthropology or a closely related discipline; strong applicants with a bachelor’s degree and exceptional preparation may also be considered. A competitive application usually contains the following:

• Official academic transcripts showing strong performance in prior degree programmes;
• A clear and feasible research statement or dissertation prospectus indicating interest in organisational anthropology or related areas;
• A writing sample that demonstrates analytical ability and familiarity with ethnographic or theoretical work (for example, a chapter or extended essay);
• Curriculum vitae outlining relevant research, fieldwork and professional experience;
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential;
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants if their prior degree was not taught in English.

Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) and specific prior coursework expectations may vary by admission cycle; applicants should consult the department for current guidance. Funding decisions are typically linked to admissions and may include teaching assistantships, research assistantships or internal fellowships.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Anthropology specialising in organisational studies pursue a broad range of careers. Many seek tenure-track academic positions in anthropology, sociology, organisation studies, business schools and interdisciplinary departments. Others move into applied and non-academic roles where ethnographic skills are in demand:

• Design research and user-experience roles in private sector firms and consultancies;
• Organisational development, human resources research and internal strategy positions;
• Policy analysis, programme evaluation and research positions in NGOs, international organisations and government agencies;
• Market and consumer research for firms specialising in innovation, branding and product development;
• Work as independent consultants, research directors at think tanks, or in roles translating qualitative research for public audiences.

The programme’s emphasis on rigorous qualitative methods, ethnography and theory prepares graduates to conduct and communicate complex research in both academic and applied settings.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers a well-established Department of Anthropology with strengths across sociocultural, linguistic and applied anthropology that support organisational research. The department’s faculty include scholars with expertise in ethnography of work, markets, institutions and political economy, providing supervision across a range of organisational topics. Interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged across campus, with opportunities to work with researchers in business, public affairs and informatics.

Students benefit from the university’s extensive library and archival resources, methodological training opportunities, and a vibrant seminar and colloquium culture. Graduate students routinely present at departmental events, secure teaching experience through assistantships, and obtain research support through internal fellowships and grants. The campus environment in Bloomington fosters close faculty-student mentoring and offers practical pathways to both academic and applied careers in organisational anthropology.