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The Bachelor’s in Anthropology with a focus on Organizational Anthropology at Augustana University is an undergraduate programme that applies anthropological methods and perspectives to the study of organisations, workplaces and institutional cultures. It suits students who want a liberal-arts grounding in cultural analysis combined with practical skills in qualitative research, ethnography and organisational change applicable in business, non-profit and public-sector settings.
This programme introduces core anthropological concepts and trains students to apply them to organisations, workplaces and institutional practices. You will study foundational topics such as cultural anthropology, social theory and the history of the discipline alongside courses specific to organisations: organisational ethnography, anthropology of work, political economy of organisations, and applied anthropology. Methodological training emphasises qualitative research—participant observation, interviewing, discourse analysis—and introduces mixed methods and basic quantitative approaches used in contemporary organisational research.
The major typically combines required core courses, a sequence of methods classes, elective options that allow cross-disciplinary study (for example in business, psychology, communication or information studies), and a capstone experience. The capstone may take the form of a senior thesis or an applied practicum in which students conduct field research in a company, non-profit or public institution. Internships and project-based courses give hands-on experience with organisational assessment, change initiatives, user research, and consulting-type engagements.
Admission to Augustana University follows the institution’s standard undergraduate application process. Competitive applicants typically present a high-school diploma or equivalent, a strong academic record across humanities and social-science coursework, and a demonstrable interest in cultural or organisational studies. Admissions may consider a personal statement, letters of recommendation and any relevant work or volunteer experience that speaks to research or community engagement.
Prospective students interested specifically in Organizational Anthropology should highlight coursework or activities that show critical thinking, writing ability and interpersonal skills. Transfer students are welcome and should submit college transcripts and a description of completed coursework; advanced standing or placement within the major may be granted on review. Students planning graduate study are advised to pursue a strong research methods sequence and a substantive capstone project.
Graduates with a background in Organizational Anthropology develop analytical and interpersonal skills that are valuable across public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical career pathways include roles in human resources, organisational development and change management, management consulting, user experience (UX) and design research, market and consumer insights, public policy and programme evaluation, and corporate social responsibility. Many alumni also find roles in community engagement, advocacy organisations and international development where cultural analysis and qualitative research are needed.
The degree also provides solid preparation for graduate study—MA and PhD programmes in anthropology and related social sciences, as well as professional degrees such as MBA, public policy, or library and information science—particularly for students who wish to combine ethnographic skills with organisational practice.
Augustana’s liberal-arts environment emphasises close faculty mentoring, small class sizes and opportunities for undergraduate research, making it well suited to an applied anthropology concentration. Students benefit from hands-on learning through internships and practicum placements with local organisations and companies, as well as opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with business, psychology and communication courses. Faculty typically involve undergraduates in research projects, providing practical training in ethnography and qualitative methods.
Additionally, Augustana’s campus resources—academic advising, career services and community partnerships—support students in translating anthropological skills into workplace-ready competencies. The programme’s combination of critical thinking, ethical reflection and practical methods prepares graduates to interpret organisational culture, design people-centred interventions and pursue a range of careers that bridge social science and organisational practice.
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