Ithaca College

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in cultural anthropology, ethnographic methods and theory, then applies those tools to the study of organisations, workplaces and institutional life. Core modules typically cover cultural anthropology, social theory, anthropological methods, and ethics in research. Organisational Anthropology–focused modules explore topics such as organisational culture and change, workplace ethnography, knowledge management, leadership and power, and applied anthropology in business and public organisations.

• Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Social Theory
• Qualitative Research Methods and Ethnography
• Organisational Culture and Change
• Workplace Ethnography and Fieldwork
• Applied Anthropology: Consulting and Policy
• Data Analysis for Qualitative Research
• Electives in related areas such as Sociology, Business, Communication, and Human Resource Management
• Capstone project or senior seminar involving an empirical research project or applied consultancy

Students are encouraged to undertake internships and applied field placements. Coursework emphasises hands‑on fieldwork, participant observation, in‑depth interviewing, qualitative data analysis and the translation of ethnographic insights into practical recommendations for organisations.

Entry requirements

Ithaca College typically requires applicants to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Successful candidates usually present a strong academic record with coursework in social studies or related disciplines. Standard application materials include a high school transcript, personal statement, and one or more letters of recommendation. Test scores (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on the department’s current admissions policies.

Typical desirable qualities and preparation:

• Strong grades in humanities or social science subjects
• Demonstrable interest in human behaviour, cultures or organisations (through extracurricular activities, work or volunteering)
• Evidence of communication and critical‑thinking skills
• For transfer students, college transcripts and examples of previous research or project work

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Organisational Anthropology move into a range of roles where understanding people and institutions matters. Common career paths include human resources, organisational development, change management, market and user research, corporate or public policy research, management consulting and user‑experience research. Some graduates work for non‑profit organisations, government agencies or international NGOs where programme design, evaluation and community engagement require qualitative expertise.

Many alumni also continue to graduate study in anthropology, business, public policy or related social sciences. The emphasis on field methods, qualitative analysis and translational reporting prepares graduates to communicate insights to multidisciplinary teams and to adapt to roles in both commercial and mission‑driven organisations.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a liberal arts environment with relatively small class sizes and accessible faculty, enabling close mentorship on fieldwork and research projects. The college’s location in the Finger Lakes region, together with connections to nearby urban centres, provides diverse opportunities for local field placements, internships and community‑based projects. Interdisciplinary links with business, communications and sociology programmes allow students to tailor their studies towards applied careers in organisations, while career services support internship placement and employer connections.

The department’s emphasis on experiential learning means students can expect supervised field research, opportunities to present work, and practical training in translating ethnographic findings into actionable recommendations for organisations and stakeholders.