Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and archaeology before concentrating on organisational anthropology and applied methods. You will learn to use qualitative research techniques — notably participant observation, semi-structured interviewing and content analysis — alongside training in comparative theory and ethics.

• Core anthropological courses: introduction to cultural anthropology, history and theory of anthropological thought, ethnographic methods, and social theory.
• Organisational specialism: courses in organisational culture, workplace ethnography, institutions and power, organisational communication, and applied anthropology in business and public sectors.
• Research methods: qualitative methods, mixed-methods approaches, digital ethnography, data visualisation for social research, and courses emphasising ethical research practice.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: courses drawing from sociology, psychology, business, communications, and public policy to explore topics such as leadership, diversity and inclusion, consumer behaviour, and technology in organisations.
• Practicum and capstone: an applied practicum or internship with a company, non-profit or government agency, and a senior capstone project or honours thesis using original ethnographic research.

Entry requirements

Admissions to Loyola’s undergraduate anthropology programme require completion of secondary education equivalent to a high school diploma. Typical academic expectations include a strong record across humanities and social science subjects. Applicants should submit a personal statement describing academic interests and relevant experience.

• Standard academic credentials from secondary school (transcripts required).
• Personal statement or essay outlining interest in anthropology and organisational questions.
• Letters of recommendation are often optional but can strengthen applications, particularly from teachers in social sciences or humanities.
• Successful applicants benefit from demonstrated experience or interest in research, community or workplace settings; coursework in social studies, languages or statistics is helpful.
• International applicants should provide evidence of secondary credentials and proficiency in English where required by university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates with training in organisational anthropology have versatile skills prized in settings that value human-centred insight and qualitative analysis. Typical career destinations include:

• Human resources, organisational development and change management roles that require cultural analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• User experience (UX) research, design research and product teams in technology and service industries.
• Consulting and market research firms focused on consumer behaviour, employee experience and organisational culture.
• Corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and corporate communications roles.
• Public sector and non-profit positions involving programme evaluation, community engagement and policy research.
• Academic and professional postgraduate study in anthropology, business, public policy, organisational psychology or related disciplines.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago offers this programme within a Jesuit liberal arts context emphasising ethical reflection, community engagement and interdisciplinarity. Students benefit from the university’s location in a major metropolitan centre, with access to internships and practicum opportunities in diverse organisations across Chicago.

• Applied learning: strong emphasis on fieldwork, internships and community-based projects that connect classroom theory to organisational practice.
• Interdisciplinary resources: opportunities to take courses and collaborate with faculty in business, communications, public policy and psychology.
• Undergraduate research and mentorship: faculty-led research projects and support for capstone and honours theses in ethnography and organisational studies.
• Professional networks: proximity to corporate, civic and cultural institutions in Chicago that facilitate placements, networking and applied research partnerships.
• Values-driven education: the programme encourages critically engaged, ethically informed practice that addresses inclusion, equity and social impact within organisations.