Brandeis University

What you'll study

This programme introduces core anthropological approaches—ethnography, comparative analysis and theory—applied to organisations, workplaces and institutional life. You will study topics such as organisational culture and change, power and hierarchy, identity and belonging at work, knowledge production, and the social life of markets and technologies. Methodological training emphasises qualitative research skills (participant observation, interviewing, discourse analysis) alongside quantitative basics and mixed-methods approaches.

• Foundations: cultural theory, history of anthropology, introduction to social research methods.
• Organisational focus: courses on organisational culture, institutions and governance, work and labour, corporate anthropology, and the anthropology of markets and professions.
• Methods and skills: ethnographic methods, qualitative analysis, research design, and exposure to survey methods and basic statistics.
• Capstone and fieldwork: a senior seminar or thesis option involving independent research, community-based projects or internships with organisations in the Boston region.
• Interdisciplinary options: opportunities to take courses in related fields such as sociology, psychology, management, public policy and information science to contextualise organisational problems.

Entry requirements

Admission to Brandeis is selective and based on a holistic review of academic preparation and personal qualities. Applicants should present a strong high-school academic record with coursework that demonstrates analytical and writing ability. Recommended academic background includes social sciences and humanities subjects; prior exposure to research methods or languages is advantageous but not required.

• Academic credentials: competitive secondary-school grades and a rigorous curriculum.
• Supporting materials: personal statement, letters of recommendation, and any supplementary materials requested by the admissions office.
• International applicants: proof of English proficiency where required and credential evaluation as part of the application.
• Transfer applicants: college transcripts and a record of successful undergraduate coursework in relevant areas.

Career prospects

Graduates with a background in organisational anthropology are sought after for their ability to interpret culture, behaviour and social dynamics within institutions. Common career paths include roles in human resources and organisational development, user experience and design research, market and consumer insight, management and strategy consulting, public policy and programme evaluation, and roles in non-profit and international organisations. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in anthropology, management, public policy or related disciplines.

• Human Resources and Organisational Development
• User Experience (UX) and Design Research
• Market Research and Consumer Insights
• Management Consulting and Change Management
• Public Policy, Evaluation and Non-profit Leadership
• Academic and Applied Research (graduate study)

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis combines a liberal-arts undergraduate environment with opportunities to engage with professional schools and research centres, offering strong interdisciplinary connections for students studying organisations. The university’s Anthropology Department emphasises close faculty mentorship and hands-on research; students benefit from small seminar classes, opportunities for independent study and fieldwork, and access to internship and collaborative projects in the Boston–Cambridge area.

Additionally, Brandeis’s proximity to a diverse range of employers, community organisations and research institutions allows students to apply organisational-anthropology skills in real-world settings while building professional networks. The broader campus culture encourages socially engaged scholarship, preparing graduates to approach organisational challenges with ethical, culturally informed perspectives.