Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

This programme combines core anthropological theory and methods with specialised study of organisations, workplaces and institutional environments. Typical coursework covers ethnographic methods, qualitative data collection and analysis, organisational culture and leadership, decision‑making processes, and the anthropology of work. Students also study research design, mixed‑method approaches, ethics in applied research, and practicum methods for fieldwork in organisational settings.

Most students complete a sequence of seminars and applied courses that emphasise participant observation, interviewing, and analysis of organisational practices and narratives. The programme often culminates in either a supervised practicum or an applied thesis/project in which students conduct original field research in a company, nonprofit, government agency or community organisation.

Typical modules and topics

• Ethnographic Methods and Fieldwork Techniques
• Qualitative Data Analysis and Visual Methods
• Organisational Culture and Change
• Work, Labour and Institutions
• Applied Research Design and Evaluation
• Professional Practice: Consulting, Communication and Ethics
• Capstone Project or Thesis and Practicum Placement

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in anthropology, social sciences, humanities, business or a related discipline. Competitive applicants demonstrate strong academic performance, relevant research or professional experience, and clear reasons for pursuing organisational anthropology.

Typical application materials include:

• Official transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended
• Statement of purpose describing research interests and career goals
• Curriculum vitae or résumé
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees
• A writing sample demonstrating analytical and research skills

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or qualifications. Some programmes do not routinely require GRE scores; applicants should check the department’s current guidance. Relevant professional experience in organisational settings, internships, or prior fieldwork strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a master’s in organisational anthropology apply anthropological skills across private, public and non‑profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Organisational development and change management
• Human resources and workplace culture specialist
• User experience (UX) and product research
• Management and strategy consulting with an ethnographic focus
• Program evaluation and policy analysis for government and NGOs
• Corporate ethnographer or market researcher
• Academic progression to doctoral study in anthropology or related fields

Employers value graduates’ abilities to produce actionable insights from qualitative data, mediate between stakeholders, and design interventions grounded in deep contextual understanding of organisational life.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University’s anthropology programmes emphasise applied, community‑engaged research and provide strong training in qualitative and field methods. Students benefit from faculty expertise in applied anthropology and opportunities to carry out practicum placements with regional organisations and institutions. The university’s interdisciplinary environment allows collaboration with business, education and health departments, facilitating applied projects that cross traditional boundaries.

NAU’s smaller graduate cohorts enable close mentorship, hands‑on supervision for fieldwork and practicum placements, and access to campus resources for qualitative research. The university’s location and community partnerships support a variety of organisational research contexts, from regional nonprofits and public agencies to private sector organisations, giving students practical experience that prepares them for diverse professional roles.