Our MA focuses on public anthropology by applying the discipline's concepts, methods and insights to issues of contemporary relevance and concern. You'll gain valuable experience in archaeological field schools and community-engaged research projects or work in collections and in the Museum of Anthropology gallery. To hone your expertise, we offer three distinct degree tracks in Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology and Museum and Heritage Studies.
Real-world experiences help you develop professional skills that will prepare you for work in:
- Research and teaching
- Cultural resource management, museums and heritage sites
- Public health and community development
- Environmental conservation
- Human rights and social welfare
We have long-established relationships with museums, Native American community partners, local nonprofit organizations and government agencies in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. These relationships provide opportunities for collaborative research, internships and networking.
Whether you pursue a career as a professional anthropologist, field technician, museum professional, national park staff member or heritage site educator, you'll be informed by a cross-cultural and historical perspective on the human condition.
Concentrations
Archaeology Concentration
The concentration in archaeology is designed to offer training in both the academic and applied aspects of archaeology for understanding the past, its relevance to the present and safeguarding for the future. Our goal is to provide knowledge and skills that coherently integrate theory and practice.
Learn MoreCultural Anthropology Concentration
The Cultural Anthropology track allows students to apply anthropological analyses and methodologies to pressing global issues of human rights and under-development. Our faculty's geographical strengths include the American Southwest, Southeast Asia/Indonesia and Latin America.
Learn MoreMuseum and Heritage Studies Concentration
The Museum and Heritage Studies concentration is designed to provide solid backgrounds in the theoretical and academic as well as the practical and professional aspects of museum anthropology and heritage studies. We educate students to be practicing anthropologists in museums and related cultural institutions. Academic and applied course work is complemented by hands-on training in the University of Denver Museum of Anthropology and through supervised internships.
Learn MoreAnthropology at DU Provides:
Commitment to an engaged, community-oriented study of anthropology that prepares you to meet the challenges of cultural work in contemporary society.
Ethical stewardship of cultural and natural heritage in one of the oldest programs in the Rocky Mountain West.
Hands-on experience in DU's own Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology Lab and Ethnology Lab.
Networking and community-building opportunities with faculty field projects and in Denver's museums and cultural institutions.
Ready to take a bold step in your study of Anthropology?
See how DU can help you reach your goals.
Degree Requirements
- The minimum number of credits to complete the degree in the thesis track is 48. In the master's paper track it is 60. Anthropology is a two-year program if taken full time..
- Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum grade of B for individual courses counted toward degree. There is a maximum of 10 hours of transfer work.
- Students will choose to complete a master's paper or thesis.
- In addition to the thesis or master's paper, students will complete a qualifying examination.
For more information about courses, degree/minor requirements and the program, visit the DU Graduate Bulletin.
Featured Faculty
Lawrence Conyers
Professor, Department Chair, and Director of Graduate Program
Christina Kreps
Professor; Director of Museum and Heritage Studies; Director, DU Museum of Anthropology
