Best Online Master's Degrees in Anthropology

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Online master's in anthropology degrees typically welcome students from a broad range of undergraduate backgrounds. It is a suitable master's option for career changers. Common undergraduate degrees include a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Anthropology and related degrees in fields like sociology, history, and archaeology. A grounding in anthropological theories and techniques may be helpful before taking on graduate study. This can be achieved through undergraduate classes or free online anthropology courses. However, it's important to note that the latter option typically doesn't award college credit or a degree.

Additional postgraduate training is available to graduates of master's in anthropology programs. A Ph.D. in Anthropology prepares students for teaching and research within academia as well as upper-level positions in the public or private sectors. These programs are typically offered on-campus. Many Ph.D. programs offer the following specialization tracks:

• Biological: the study of human adaptation and evolution throughout history through the excavation and examination of human and non-human primate fossil remains.
• Sociocultural: an investigation of the influences of society and culture on human behavior, development, and interaction.
• Archaeology: the analysis of physical historical artifacts and their significance to human society.

Some programs may also offer a single track in applied anthropology which focuses on the practical application to enact change through research and ethnographic inquiry.

An online master's degree in anthropology would be well-suited for individuals interested in human origins and the history and development of languages and cultures. Anthropology may provide opportunities to work and/or travel abroad and interact with diverse groups of people so traits such as curiosity and adventurousness as well as skills in communication and diplomacy would be helpful.

Online degrees are a good option for anyone needing or desiring a non-traditional educational experience. Studying online provides flexibility in terms of completing assignments when and where the student is able. Some universities may run distance classes synchronously that students must attend in real-time. However, most lectures are asynchronous, meaning materials can be accessed at any time during an allotted period, usually weekly.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Anthropology?

An online master's in anthropology typically includes between 30 and 55 credits, which can take between 1-2 years to complete depending on a variety of factors. Accelerated programs might offer short, intense courses that can be finished faster, while a thesis track may require more research, which could extend the time to completion. Additionally, students attending their program of study part-time can expect to finish their degree in more than 2 years.

While there are areas of overlap between the fields of anthropology and archaeology, there are distinct differences. So what is the difference between an anthropologist and an archaeologist? Anthropologists study human behavior through the ages and the development of culture and language while archaeologists look at physical artifacts related to human history.

The two disciplines fit together in that fossils and artifacts tell a story about how humans behave and how they have evolved. So, those interested in studying human evolution and interaction would be best suited to pursue a master's in anthropology. Students who wish to unearth and examine remains have an interest more aligned with archaeology.

The curriculum for online master's degrees in anthropology can be very different depending on the university offering the program. Foundational courses will generally cover a comprehensive introduction that grounds the student in research and theory. Electives depend on faculty research interests and can be specific to a culture or region, or subfield of anthropology such as forensic or cultural. Below, we'll cover both in more detail.

Anthropology Foundational Courses

Although electives can vary widely among universities offering online master's degrees in anthropology, core required classes tend to be fairly consistent. Some typical foundational courses are:

• Anthropological theory
• Biological anthropology seminar
• Seminar in archaeology
• Ethnography and qualitative methods

Students are generally required to choose a thesis or non-thesis track for their online master's in anthropology. The non-thesis track usually culminates in a comprehensive exam. The thesis track entails a research project and paper that aligns with the student's area of interest. Students who choose the non-thesis track may take more theory classes while thesis track students might take courses related to the preparation and execution of their final paper.

Anthropology Specialist & Elective Courses

Because anthropology incorporates several different areas of study, students may have the opportunity to pursue a wide selection of elective courses. This will largely depend on the university and what it has to offer so students should do thorough research to find the best fit for their area of interest. Master's programs may have electives that lean more toward cultural or biological anthropology or that focus on a specific region of the world. However, some popular courses seen across different programs include:

• Human osteology
• Applied anthropology
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for anthropology
• Native American studies
• Environmental anthropology
• Sex and gender in anthropology

Licensure & Certification in Anthropology

No specific licensure exists for anthropologists or those working in anthropology and certification is not mandatory for any of the subfields. However, board certification is available for individuals working in the field of forensic anthropology. Because this is a clinical application that is used in criminal investigation, board certification demonstrates professional aptitude and training. To qualify, applicants need a doctoral degree in forensic, biological, or physical anthropology along with documented fieldwork hours. Application materials include professional references, anonymized files from forensic cases worked, and evidence of proficiency testing. After passing an exam, successful candidates will be granted the title of Diplomate of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology.

To be admitted to an online master's in anthropology degree program, students must meet general entry requirements and submit application materials. Many universities ask for a minimum of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and students must prove this by sending official transcripts. After completing an online application, applicants may be required to provide additional supporting documentation such as:

• GRE scores
• Personal statement
• Professional and/or academic reference(s)
• Application fee

Graduates can enter several different fields after completing a master's degree in anthropology. Individuals with training in anthropology are found in governmental roles, business, academia, and the public sector. Students may pursue a career as an anthropologist, which is a broad title that reaches across disciplines. Anthropologists can focus on forensics, biology, culture, and/or linguistics and many specialize in a specific country or region in the world. Individuals with training in this field are also sought after in museums, cultural heritage management, and historic preservation. Some anthropologists also cross into archaeology.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Anthropology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for anthropologists over the ten year period from 2019-2029 is 5%. This is faster than the national average for all occupations. However, it is still a relatively small field. Currently, around 8,000 individuals are working as anthropologists and archeologists in the US so this increase will see an estimated addition of 400 jobs between 2019 and 2029. Because of this, the competition will be fierce for those hoping to enter the field.

How to Become a Linguistic Anthropologist

Linguistic anthropologists are interested in the interaction between language and culture. They study how societies have shaped their language and the distribution of those languages across the world. Linguistic anthropologists also examine the intersection between language and gender, social stratification, race, ethnicity, history, and evolution. This branch of anthropology focuses on fieldwork and studying language where it happens.

Students may wish to attend a university that offers a master's degree in anthropology with a specialization in linguistics. Fieldwork and/or internships may be requirements for a degree program but are recommended for all students wishing to get a foot in the door of this competitive field.

As of May 2019, the BLS reports that anthropologists made an annual median salary of $63,670 with the top 10% earning $97,950. The highest-earning anthropologists worked in the federal government while the lowest earners were employed in research and development in the social sciences and humanities.

How to Become a Forensic Anthropologist

Forensic anthropologists contribute to criminal investigations by helping to identify human remains. Forensic anthropologists assist in the recovery of bones and examine them to determine characteristics of the victim including age, sex, height, and estimated date of death. Professionals in this field will also identify signs of trauma to classify injuries and possible cause of death.

To pursue a career in this field, students must identify schools with forensic anthropology programs. Generally, students will need to complete a master's in anthropology followed by a Ph.D. in Physical Anthropology. It is also recommended to seek out opportunities to assist experienced forensic anthropologists to gain fieldwork knowledge and skills.

According to PayScale.com as of October 2020, forensic anthropologists make an average annual salary of $51,537.

Professional organizations are a good way for anthropology students and those working in the field to connect to networking, educational, and other opportunities. These types of groups generally charge an annual membership fee but many offer a discount for those still studying for a university degree. Several organizations relating to anthropology exist, and they cover a range of topics. They include, but are not limited to:

• American Anthropological Association (AAA): the AAA boasts a network of over 9,000 anthropologists, both in academia and practice. Their membership benefits include access to journals and newsletters, opportunities to get published and present research at the annual conference, and listings for volunteer opportunities which could be especially helpful for students looking to gain more experience in the field.
• American Ethnological Society (AES): part of the American Anthropological Association (AAA), the AES focuses on the field of anthropological ethnography and gives professionals and students a space to connect. The group centers around its journal, American Ethnologist, so members may wish to take an active role in its development.
• Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA): members of the SfAA have the chance to submit manuscripts to three separate publications. Additionally, this global group prides itself on its networking, which it promotes through forums, yearly meetings, committees, and interest groups.

Online master's degrees in anthropology can be expensive but funding exists to help offset the cost of education. Students have several choices when it comes to financial matters. Federal student loans provided by the US government are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. To qualify, students must apply online by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

While student loans must be repaid, grants and scholarships are considered 'free money.' Grants are awarded based on financial need, with the lowest income students taking priority. Scholarships are offered by many private organizations as well as public and governmental entities and can be general or applicable to a single field or area of study.

Within anthropology and its sub-specialties, scholarships may be offered by university programs or outside sources. For example, the Matthew Tobin Cappetta Archaeological Scholarship awards $5,000 to cover graduate school costs for those pursuing a master's or doctorate in archaeology with a focus on the American Southwest and/or the South American Andes.