Program Overview

Anthropology - Master of Arts

The Anthropology M.A. program is designed for students who are interested in the traditional sub-disciplines of anthropology, as well as such related fields as cultural resource management, food studies, medical anthropology, and museum studies. The program is directed to both students planning to complete a professional M.A. degree and students planning to enter a Ph.D. program.

Program Outcomes

• Develop and execute a problem-oriented anthropological study using appropriate theoretical and methodological perspectives in at least one sub-field of anthropology.
• Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills in professional settings.
• Demonstrate professional engagement with peers, faculty, staff, researchers, and other professionals in anthropology.

Admission Requirements

To apply to the Anthropology Masters Degree program, the following materials are required:

• Graduate School application form and fees
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, with a 3.0 GPA minimum.
• A letter from the candidate addressing his or her interests and graduate school objectives
• Letters of recommendation from three persons familiar with the candidate's academic record

Program Requirements

Students selecting the thesis option must complete 30 hours of basic course work, plus 6 hours of thesis credit. Students selecting the non-thesis option must complete 36 hours of course work including an internship or special research project for 6 credits.

Course Requirements

• Core Graduate Courses: 6 credits
  • ANTH 503: Anthropological Theory
  • ANTH 505: Issues in Anthropological Practice
• Additional Courses: 24 credits
  • Select additional topical, methodological, and area courses in anthropology in consultation with graduate faculty committee
• Thesis or Non-Thesis Options: 6 credits
  • Thesis: ANTH 599: Master's Thesis
  • Non-Thesis: ANTH 597: Internship or ANTH 598: Special Research Problems

Suggested Plan of Study

The following road map is a guide for full-time students to earn the Master of Anthropology degree within two years.

• First Year:
  • Fall: ANTH 505, Elective Classes (2)
  • Spring: ANTH 503, Elective Classes (2)
  • Summer: OPTIONAL - field training, field research, directed readings, or internship
• Second Year:
  • Fall: MA Thesis, Elective Classes (2)
  • Spring: MA Thesis, Remaining elective classes (3–6 credits)

Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)

The M.A. Program in Anthropology at NMSU is enrolled as an eligible graduate program under the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). WRGP allows master's, graduate certificate, and doctoral students who are residents of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) member states to enroll in graduate programs outside of their home state and pay in-state resident tuition. Residents of the following states and territories are eligible to attend the M.A. Program in Anthropology at NMSU for in-state tuition rates: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associate States, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.