M.A. Anthropology - Cultural Heritage Option
Program Overview
The Cultural Heritage Option allows you to earn an MA degree in anthropology while focusing on methods and theories related to preserving the culture, heritage, and diversity of all peoples. It is designed to produce professionals in the many areas of cultural heritage preservation who are firmly grounded in the fundamentals of anthropology. This is a broad option, which can accommodate students with interests in a variety of areas, including:
- Cultural Resource Management, Historic Preservation, Prehistoric Archaeology, and similar archaeologically focused studies
- Ethnohistory, Tribal Recognition, Culture Preservation, Language Retention, and similar ethnographically focused studies
- Museology, Educational Anthropology, Public Archaeology, and similar areas that focus on interpreting cultures for the general public
The curriculum for students choosing this option is chosen in consultation with an appropriate faculty advisor, who will help guide the student toward appropriate classes for fulfilling their goals. Because this option is designed to train professionals, it focuses on practical professional experiences, which may include an internship with an appropriate company or agency. From this, students will produce a professional paper, exhibit, portfolio, or other original creative work to satisfy the MA degree requirements. Students who satisfactorily complete either a thesis/professional paper or non-thesis plan will earn the Master of Arts degree in Anthropology with the Cultural Heritage option.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are finding employment and careers in:
- US Forest Service
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- National Park Service Archaeologists
- Heritage Program Managers
- Tribal and State Historic Preservation Officers (THPOS and SHPOs) and Deputy THPOs, SHPOs, and related positions
- State Archaeologists
- Consulting Archaeologists [usually working with private Cultural Resource Management (CRM) firms]
- Self-employed/private consultants
- Academic/faculty positions
Faculty Expertise
If you are interested in the Cultural Heritage program option, we recommend reviewing the following faculty members' research and contacting the one whose work aligns with your interests to discuss your research goals and plans, as that individual may serve as your faculty advisor.