Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The programme combines core anthropological training with specialised study of organisations, workplaces and institutional culture. You will learn how cultural patterns, power relations and everyday practices shape organisational behaviour and change.

• Core anthropology: cultural anthropology, history of anthropological theory, and ethnographic methods that provide the discipline’s foundational perspectives.
• Research methods: qualitative methods (participant observation, interviewing, thematic analysis), mixed methods, and training in fieldwork design and ethical practice.
• Organisational specialisms: courses on organisational culture, workplace ethnography, applied anthropology, change management from an anthropological perspective, and consumer and market anthropology.
• Interdisciplinary modules: electives that draw on business, psychology, communication and information studies—useful for understanding leadership, decision-making and user-centred design.
• Practicum and capstone: a practicum or internship with a local organisation or research project and a senior capstone or honours thesis that requires independent applied research in an organisational context.
• Skills development: training in data collection and qualitative analysis software, professional communication, presentation of findings for non-academic audiences, and project management.

Programme structure

The degree typically includes general education requirements alongside a sequence of lower- and upper-level anthropology courses. Early years focus on fundamentals and methods; later years emphasise applied courses, electives in organisational topics and a supervised practicum or capstone research project.

Entry requirements

Entry is at undergraduate level and requires a completed secondary school qualification recognised by Eastern Michigan University. Admissions decisions consider the overall academic record and preparation in humanities or social sciences.

• High school diploma or equivalent with a record of strong academic performance.
• Recommended preparation: courses in social studies, writing/English and statistics or mathematics are helpful.
• Standardised tests: check the university’s current policy on SAT/ACT submissions; these may be optional.
• Transfer applicants: official college transcripts and a minimum number of transferable credits as specified by the university.
• International applicants: proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS) unless exempt; submission of credential evaluations where required.
• Additional materials: a personal statement outlining interest in anthropology or organisational studies and, for some applicants, letters of recommendation may strengthen the application.

Career prospects

Graduates with training in organisational anthropology are valued for their ability to analyse culture, communication and practice within workplaces. Career paths commonly followed include:

• Human resources and organisational development: roles in employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and change management that require cultural insight and qualitative evaluation.
• User experience and design research: user-researcher or UX researcher positions applying ethnographic methods to product and service design.
• Market and consumer research: roles in qualitative market research, brand strategy and consumer insights.
• Consultancy and project management: cultural consultancy for corporations, NGOs and public-sector organisations addressing organisational change and stakeholder engagement.
• Public and non-profit sector: community engagement, programme evaluation and policy research positions.
• Further study and academia: graduate programmes in anthropology, organisational studies, business, public policy or related fields for students interested in advanced research or teaching.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a liberal-arts environment with small-class teaching and accessible faculty who specialise in applied and cultural anthropology. The department emphasises hands-on learning through community-engaged projects and practicum opportunities that connect students with organisations in the Detroit metro area and beyond.

• Applied focus: faculty expertise in organisational and applied anthropology means you can pursue coursework and research that directly addresses workplace and institutional questions.
• Interdisciplinary links: easy access to electives and collaborations with business, psychology and communication departments to broaden career-relevant skills.
• Local practicum and internship opportunities: partnerships with regional organisations provide real-world placements for applied research and professional experience.
• Support services: resources such as career services, undergraduate research support and writing centres help prepare you for employment or graduate study.