Brigham Young University

What you'll study

This programme builds a foundation in cultural anthropology, ethnographic methods and theory, then applies those tools to the study of organisations, workplaces and institutional processes. Students follow the anthropology major curriculum while taking a suite of specialised courses that address organisational behaviour, applied anthropology and research methods relevant to corporate and institutional settings.

• Core anthropology subjects: cultural anthropology, ethnographic methods, anthropological theory, comparative studies of social and cultural systems.
• Organisational and applied modules: courses in organisational anthropology, workplace culture and change, applied anthropology, and the anthropology of organisations and institutions.
• Research methods and quantitative skills: statistics for social science, survey methods, qualitative data analysis, advanced ethnographic techniques and digital methods for workplace research.
• Interdisciplinary options: electives that bridge to business, communication, information systems, human resources, user experience research and public policy—often taken in conjunction with BYU’s business and communications programmes.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior seminar or capstone project focused on organisational ethnography, plus practicum, internship or fieldwork placements with companies, non-profits, government agencies or research groups.

Entry requirements

Applicants should meet Brigham Young University’s undergraduate admissions standards, which require a strong college‑preparatory high school record. Admissions decisions are based on academic performance, the strength of coursework, letters of recommendation, and other materials requested by the admissions office.

Helpful preparation for this major includes coursework in social studies, writing, statistics or mathematics, and at least one foreign language. Successful candidates demonstrate curiosity about people and institutions, aptitude for qualitative and quantitative research, and strong written communication skills.

All students are expected to follow BYU’s institutional policies and community standards, which are part of the university’s student life expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates with a background in organisational anthropology are well placed for roles that require understanding human behaviour within institutional settings. Common career paths include:

• Human resources, organisational development and change management
• User experience (UX) and customer research for technology and product teams
• Management and strategy consulting with an emphasis on organisational culture
• Market and social research for private sector firms, non-profits and public agencies
• Program evaluation and policy analysis in government and international organisations
• Applied anthropology positions in healthcare, education and community development
• Further academic study at graduate level in anthropology, business, public policy or related fields

Why study at Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University offers a department with strong faculty expertise in both traditional anthropology and applied approaches, allowing students to learn rigorous ethnographic and analytical skills while focusing on organisational contexts. The university’s connections across campus—particularly with its business and communications schools—create interdisciplinary pathways and practical internship opportunities in the Salt Lake City region and beyond.

Students benefit from accessible faculty mentorship, fieldwork opportunities and a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for applied roles in industry, government and non-profit sectors as well as for graduate study. The programme emphasises ethical practice, cross-cultural sensitivity and skills that translate directly to contemporary organisational challenges.