University of Chicago

What you'll study

The programme combines intensive theoretical training in anthropological approaches with methodological preparation for sustained fieldwork on organisational life. Core emphases include institutional ethnography, organisational theory from an anthropological perspective, political economy, science and technology studies (STS), and comparative, historical and archival methods.

• Coursework: Foundational seminars in social theory and anthropological methods (qualitative and quantitative), seminars on organisations and institutions, and elective courses across related departments such as sociology, economics, law, business, public policy and STS.
• Methods training: Advanced ethnographic methods, participant observation in workplace settings, interview techniques, survey design for mixed-methods projects, digital ethnography and qualitative data analysis. Training often includes practical workshops on fieldwork ethics, research design and grant-writing.
• Research practicum and fieldwork: Students design and conduct original fieldwork—often long-term organisational ethnographies—addressing topics such as corporate cultures, bureaucratic practices, regulatory regimes, labour and professions, markets and financial institutions, or the anthropology of technology and infrastructure.
• Qualifying examinations and dissertation: After completing coursework, students prepare for area and methods examinations or an equivalent qualifying assessment, followed by dissertation proposal development and an original doctoral dissertation supervised by faculty with expertise in organisational anthropology and related fields.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: The department encourages cross-listing and collaboration with business, law, public policy, human-computer interaction and other units, enabling comparative and applied perspectives on organisational phenomena.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor’s degree with strong academic standing; many successful applicants also hold a relevant master’s degree or substantial research experience. Admission is competitive and is based on academic transcripts, a clear research statement outlining interests in organisational anthropology, a writing sample (such as an essay or chapter demonstrating analytical and research skills), a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s research potential.

International applicants whose first language is not English are typically required to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests, unless exempted by the university. Applicants should consult the department for details on test requirements, funding application procedures and any additional materials.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue a range of careers. Many go on to tenure-track academic positions in anthropology, sociology, management studies and interdisciplinary fields. Others work in research roles at think tanks, non-governmental organisations, international agencies and policy institutes where interpretive and ethnographic expertise informs programme design and evaluation.

Applied career paths include roles in corporate research, organisational development, user experience and design research, consulting, and human resources—areas that value deep qualitative insight into organisational cultures and practices. Alumni also find opportunities in journalism, evidence-based public policy and research-driven technology firms.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers a distinctive environment for organisational anthropology through a strong intellectual tradition in theory, access to interdisciplinary programmes, and a department that emphasises both rigorous conceptual work and careful empirical fieldwork. Students benefit from seminar-based training, close mentorship by faculty engaged in cutting-edge organisational and institutional research, and regular departmental colloquia that bring scholars from across disciplines.

Chicago’s urban setting, links with policy and professional communities, and institutional resources—libraries, research centres and cross-disciplinary institutes—support ambitious comparative and archival projects as well as collaborative applied research. The department’s commitment to methodological breadth prepares graduates to contribute to academic debates and to apply anthropological perspectives to practical organisational challenges.