Program Overview

Anthropology, MA

Overview

The Master of Arts in Anthropology program at George Mason University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline, including its history, theories, and methods. Students learn to approach and develop a research topic, conduct fieldwork and ethnographic research, and analyze data using quantitative and qualitative methods. The program prepares students for careers in government, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, museums, and academia.

Admissions

Applicants to the MA in Anthropology program must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study at George Mason University. For specific information, see the Admissions section of the university's website.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Graduate Policies section of the university's website.

Satisfactory Progress

Students in the MA in Anthropology program are expected to make satisfactory progress toward their degree. Failure to do so may result in termination from the program. The following criteria are used to evaluate satisfactory progress:

• Two consecutive semesters with academic warnings on the transcript
• Failure to successfully complete ANTH 535 Sociocultural Theory in Anthropology, ANTH 537 Biocultural Theory in Anthropology, and ANTH 586 Quantitative Methods in Anthropology or ANTH 650 Ethnographic Research Methods within 4 semesters of first enrolling as degree-seeking students in the MA in Anthropology program
• Failure to enroll in graduate coursework in anthropology for 2 consecutive semesters, unless there are compelling reasons for not having done so

Degree Requirements

The MA in Anthropology program requires a total of 30 credits.

Core Courses

• ANTH 535 Sociocultural Theory in Anthropology (3 credits)
• ANTH 537 Biocultural Theory in Anthropology (3 credits)
• ANTH 586 Quantitative Methods in Anthropology (3 credits)
• or ANTH 650 Ethnographic Research Methods (3 credits)
• ANTH 798 Thesis or Project Proposal (3 credits)

Electives

• Select 15 credits from advanced courses in anthropology chosen in consultation with an advisor

Students can choose to focus their electives around an emphasis in one of the following areas:

• Advanced training in sociocultural anthropology
• Culture, health, and bioethics
• Museums and anthropology
• Transnational and global issues

Up to 6 credits may be from other disciplines with the prior written approval of the graduate director.

Thesis or Research Project

• ANTH 796 Master's Research Project (3 credits)
• or ANTH 799 Master's Thesis (3 credits)

Accelerated Master's Program

Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA in Anthropology and a MA in Anthropology in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 138 credits.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the accelerated master's program must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study at George Mason University. For specific information, see the Admissions section of the university's website.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

• Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
• Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits)

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the MA in Anthropology program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to synthesize appropriate anthropological theory in the analysis of a research question or problem.
2. Develop an original research question or problem that is situated within the appropriate theoretical paradigm.
3. Demonstrate familiarity with appropriate methods for anthropological data collection and analysis and apply them to an original research question or problem.
4. Summarize theoretical and ethical debates related to their area of study in anthropology and synthesize their own work within the context of those debates.
5. Effectively communicate the results and interpretations of their research in writing, in a manner appropriate to a professional audience.