Colorado State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core anthropological theory and methods with specialised topics in organisational life. You will study ethnographic approaches such as participant observation, semi-structured interviewing and qualitative coding alongside courses on organisational culture, leadership and change, workplace ethnography, and the anthropology of institutions.

Typical modules and taught topics include:

• Anthropological theory and contemporary debates in social and organisational analysis
• Qualitative research methods: ethnography, interview techniques, visual methods and discourse analysis
• Organisational anthropology: culture, power, identity and practice in workplaces
• Applied methods for change: design ethnography, participatory methods and evaluation
• Quantitative and mixed-methods tools commonly used with qualitative data, such as social network analysis and content analysis
• Professional skills: research communication, project management, grant writing and ethical practice

The degree typically culminates in a substantial piece of original research — either a thesis or a practicum project — that applies anthropological methods to an organisational problem or site. Students are encouraged to undertake fieldwork with public, private or non-profit organisations, and to pursue interdisciplinary collaborations with units across the university.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised bachelor's degree in anthropology or a closely related discipline such as sociology, human geography, business, sociology, communication or psychology. Relevant professional experience in organisational settings may be considered where academic preparation is not directly aligned.

Admissions typically require:

• A bachelor’s degree with a competitive academic record
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and how the programme fits your goals
• Academic transcripts
• One or two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
• A curriculum vitae or résumé demonstrating relevant experience

Some applicants are invited to provide a short writing sample or portfolio of research. Standardised tests (such as the GRE) are sometimes optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; international applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency by providing scores from accepted tests unless exempt.

Career prospects

Graduates with a master’s in Organizational Anthropology from Colorado State University move into a variety of applied and research-oriented roles. Common career paths include:

• Organisational development and change management in private and public sector organisations
• User experience (UX) and design research roles that rely on ethnographic insight
• Consulting for firms focused on culture change, diversity and inclusion, or strategic transformation
• Research and evaluation positions within non-governmental organisations, foundations and policy institutes
• Human resources roles that incorporate qualitative assessment and culture strategy
• Progression to doctoral study and academic careers in anthropology and related fields

The programme’s emphasis on practical fieldwork and professional communication prepares graduates to translate complex qualitative findings into actionable recommendations for stakeholders.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers a research-active environment with opportunities for close faculty mentoring and interdisciplinary collaboration. The anthropology faculty are engaged in both theoretical and applied work, enabling organisational anthropology students to draw on perspectives from social science, business studies and communication.

Students benefit from hands-on fieldwork opportunities in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond, strong methodological training, and connections across campus to centres and departments that work with organisations and communities. The programme’s balance of rigorous research training and applied practicum options is designed to prepare graduates for immediate professional impact or continued academic study.

Location in Fort Collins also affords access to a diverse mix of public, private and non-profit organisations for field placements, while the university’s support services help students develop professional networks and career-readiness skills.