College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology (M.A.)
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology (M.A.)
Where Curiosity Meets Purpose — Earn Your M.A. in Anthropology at NMSU.
At New Mexico State University, our Anthropology graduate program invites you to explore the rich tapestry of human experience — past, present, and future. Rooted in a multidisciplinary approach, anthropology bridges the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities to offer a deep and holistic understanding of what it means to be human. Whether you're drawn to ancient civilizations, contemporary cultures, human evolution, or the power of language, our program equips you with the critical thinking, research, and fieldwork skills to investigate humanity in all its complexity.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 36
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
An Anthropology degree from NMSU opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities that make a real impact. Our graduates are equipped with critical thinking, research, cross-cultural communication, and analytical skills — highly valued across sectors.
- Cultural resource manager
- Forensic or biological anthropologist
- Archaeologist
- University professor or lecturer
- Museum curator or archivist
- Historic preservation specialist
- Ph.D. student / future academic researcher
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Anthropology? Fill out our inquiry form.
Explore the Human Story at NMSU
The Master of Arts in Anthropology at NMSU provides a strong foundation for both academic and applied career paths. Students gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to work in fields such as cultural resource management, museum studies, food security, and public health. We prioritize close mentoring relationships and individualized guidance to help students thrive.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The Anthropology M.A. program is directed to both students planning to complete a professional M.A. degree and students planning to enter a Ph.D. program.
Students selecting the thesis option must complete 30 hours of basic course work, plus six hours of thesis credit. Students selecting the non-thesis option must complete 36 hours of course work including an internship or special research project for six credits.
Take classes like:
- ANTH 503 - Anthropological Theory
- ANTH 505 - Issues in Anthropological Practice
- ANTH 522 - Archaeological Field School
- ANTH 587 - Field Work in Latin America
For the minor in anthropology, students are required to complete at least nine credits (three courses) of graduate-level anthropology coursework at the level of 500 or above. A minor in anthropology provides a useful concentration for students developing professional careers in teaching, environmental sciences, international business, community development, social work, art, and historic preservation. Graduate students majoring in anthropology may not also earn a minor in the same field.
Archaeology
The graduate minor in archaeology allows students in other programs to develop a specialization in archaeology. A minor in archaeology provides a useful concentration for students developing professional careers in cultural resource management, public lands management, environmental sciences, public history, geography, or teaching. To complete the minor requirements, students are required to complete nine credit hours (three classes) of graduate level courses.
Native American Studies
The Graduate minor in Native American Studies focuses on Native American cultures and societies, deals with contemporary and historical experiences of American Indians, and examines the contributions of Indigenous peoples to life in the United States and other American nations. To qualify for a graduate minor in Native American Studies, students are required to complete nine credit hours of graduate level courses.
To apply to the Anthropology Masters Degree program the following materials are required:
- Graduate School application form and fees
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, with a 3.0 GPA minimum.
- A letter from the candidate addressing his or her interests and graduate school objectives
- Letters of recommendation from three persons familiar with the candidate’s academic record
An undergraduate anthropology degree is not required for admission; however, students who lack the equivalent of core undergraduate anthropology courses may be required to take them during their first year of the master's program.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.