Anthropology
Master of Arts
Dig into the past and present
This program provides the advanced graduate training and research experiences you need to pursue a professional career in the field of anthropology, no matter whether you want to study people who lived long ago or examine cultures of today.
As a student in this program, you will complete coursework, seminars and directed studies in general anthropology, archaeology, physical anthropology and ethnology. You will also lead independent research and complete a thesis.
Department research specialties include historical archaeology, prehistoric Plateau archaeology, archaeological conservation and stabilization, Plateau Indian ethnography, contemporary American culture, human evolution, and Indigenous peoples of South America.
Graduate students have opportunities to work alongside faculty in the field and in the university’s Laboratory of Anthropology on archaeological digs, archival research, and artifact and preservation projects.
Overview
Related Topics
Advance the study of human culture
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Aspire for a career in anthropology.
- Enjoy research.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- Have a specific interest in the study of American Indians or the archaeological history of the Pacific Northwest.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,186 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Anthropology and Archeology Teachers • Postsecondary Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers
$48,689 - Environmental Restoration Planners
$58,114 - Park Naturalists
$49,840 - Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
$67,169 - Forensic Science Technicians
$50,711
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding opportunities
- Donald E. Crabtree Lithic Technology Scholarship
- Lawrence Aripa Anthropology Scholarship
- Jeff Markos Memorial Scholarship
- Roderick Sprague Endowment in Anthropology
- John Calhoun Smith Memorial Fund
There are also a limited number of TA positions are awarded through the department.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
As a graduate student in the anthropology program you’ll work on faculty research projects, volunteer at the Laboratory of Anthropology and work at field schools.
Application information
Applicants for the M.A. in anthropology program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor’s
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: Three
- Other requirements: Writing sample (prior anthropology course)
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.