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Indiana Prehistory Laboratory

M.S. in Anthropology
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Department of Anthropology

As the most comprehensive academic discipline in the world, anthropology studies all people from all places and all times. Anthropologists seek to understand human culture and biology and try to apply what they learn to the challenges of life that face humans every day. Anthropology is divided into four subfields: archeology (the study mostly of past peoples), biological anthropology (the study of primates, human ancestors, and modern anatomy and development), cultural anthropology (the study of human behavior, customs, beliefs, objects, and ideas), and anthropological linguistics (the cultural study of language).

At the University of Indianapolis, we introduce anthropology students to all four subfields. Our intention is to provide students with a broad foundation of anthropological theory and findings. We also want students to apply what they learn to their lives and to realize that the more we know about what it means to be human, the better prepared we are to deal with immediate issues, such as cross-cultural conflict and epidemic diseases. We want students to realize that anthropological knowledge is practical and useful in many settings in our ever-shrinking world.

More about careers in Anthropology >>

Occupational Employment Statistics for Anthropologists and Archeologists >>

Anthropology Job Growth "Much Faster than the Average" >>

Behind-the-Scenes Videos of Anthropologists at Work >>

Day of Archeology - A day in the life of 400 archaeologists >>

Why study Archeology at the University of Indianapolis?

What makes our Archeology degree distinct is that it is so skills-based and field-oriented. We require a minimum of two field experiences, of at least three credit hours each. Students may take them through our summer field schools here in Indiana (offered every two years) or through field programs of other institutions (many are available nationwide and internationally).

New Graduate Program in Anthropology

The Master of Science in Anthropology program provides opportunities to maximize academic and technical skills in the science of Anthropology and Archeology via outstanding classroom, lab, and field experiences. The program emphasizes three areas: Bioarcheology, Molecular Anthropology, and Archeological Science.

Learn more about the masters program...

Two Majors (Bachelors): Anthropology and Archeology

• Anthropology
  This Bachelor of Arts major takes a broad approach to recognizing, studying, describing, and understanding many aspects of culture. Students select a few courses each from topics that are primarily cultural, biological, and archeological. This approach ensures well-rounded exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives within anthropology. Many students who come here to major in Archeology also see Anthropology as an excellent complementary degree.
   
• Archeology (also spelled archaeology)
  We designed this Bachelor of Science major to give students real hands-on archeological training and experience. The courses offer training in both theory and method. We do not promote geographic specialties for students because we want them to be able to dig and work professionally anywhere in the world after they graduate. However, our archeology field school is usually located in Indiana and research materials in our labs are largely North American.

Employment Outlook

According to a recent article in USA Today, people with anthropology degrees are becoming attractive to businesses that deal internationally. With the advent of the internet, the number of such companies is expanding rapidly. Anthropologists also work for libraries, hospitals, clinics, government agencies, private businesses, and colleges and universities. Private and public archeology firms that perform archeological investigations (whenever state or federal money is used in a construction project) frequently employ archeologists. We also work academically in museums, teach, conduct library and archival searches, and consult. Some of these occupations are available directly to those with a bachelor's degree. Others require an advanced degree.

Read more about Fastest Growing Occupations >>

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