Indiana University

What you'll study

This programme grounds students in the four main subfields of anthropology—cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, archaeology and biological anthropology—while concentrating on organisational anthropology: the study of workplaces, institutions and organisational cultures. You will learn ethnographic methods and qualitative research techniques (participant observation, interviewing, thematic analysis), alongside courses in social theory and the anthropology of organisations.

• Core modules: introductory cultural anthropology, anthropological theory, research design and methods, statistics for social research.
• Organisational Anthropology modules: ethnography of organisations, culture and work, organisational change and governance, business anthropology, applied ethnography.
• Methods and practicum: advanced qualitative methods, mixed-methods approaches, practicum or internship with an organisation, and opportunities for field-based projects.
• Capstone and electives: senior seminar, honours thesis or applied capstone project; electives drawn from related areas such as sociology, psychology, business (Kelley School cross-listed options), human-computer interaction, and public policy.

Entry requirements

Admission to Indiana University is based on a holistic review of academic preparation and other materials. Typical applicants hold a secondary school diploma with strong performance in humanities and social sciences; evidence of analytical writing and quantitative literacy is also valued. Prospective students should provide official transcripts and any regionally recognised test scores where required by the campus; some applicants submit a personal statement and letters of recommendation.

For transfer applicants, college transcripts showing successful completion of introductory social science courses are important. International applicants normally submit certified academic records and proof of English language proficiency if their prior education was not in English. Specific minimums and additional requirements are published by Indiana University admissions and vary by campus.

Career prospects

Graduates with a concentration in Organisational Anthropology are prepared for roles that require cultural insight, qualitative research skills and an ability to translate human behaviour into organisational strategy. Common career paths include:

• Human resources, organisational development and change management
• User experience (UX) research and design for tech and product teams
• Market research and consumer insights for private-sector firms
• Consulting specialising in culture change, diversity and inclusion, or workplace design
• Public sector and non-profit roles in community engagement, programme evaluation and policy research
• Further study and academic research at postgraduate level in anthropology, organisational studies, business or public policy

Why study at Indiana University

Indiana University offers a well-established Department of Anthropology with faculty working across applied and theoretical lines, including researchers who specialise in organisations, work and applied ethnography. The university’s breadth enables interdisciplinary study with business, informatics and public affairs programmes, allowing students to combine anthropological training with practical professional skills.

Students benefit from opportunities for field-based learning, faculty-led research projects, internships in local and regional organisations, and access to campus research centres and library resources. The programme emphasises hands-on methods training and real-world application, equipping graduates to enter diverse sectors where cultural understanding and qualitative expertise are valued.