Anthropology - MS

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

About This Degree

The Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology offers an MS degree in anthropology with a required specialization in archaeology and cultural resource management.

Cultural resource management (CRM) archaeology provides industry and government agencies with an evaluation of heritage resources that, by law, have to be taken into account prior to the alteration of public landscapes. CRM is now an institutionalized element of the environmental management industry in the United States and many other countries. The program at USU was created in response to an expressed need for graduates qualified for management in cultural resource management, so students receive specific training for this career industry.

What You Will Learn

Anthropology at USU is specifically designed to provide the training and degree qualifications sought after by employers in both public and private sectors. The graduate program in anthropology at Utah State University responds to the changing needs of archaeology and to recommendations of archaeologists in the CRM industry. The master's degree will also prepare students intending to pursue a doctoral degree at other institutions.

A museum studies certificate is also available and is a popular choice for those interested in developing the skills needed for various careers in museums.

Specialization:

Archeology and Cultural Resource Management:

With this specialization, students gain field work experience in archaeology and managing cultural artifacts.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department: Sociology and Anthropology Department

USU Locations:

  • Logan campus

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Nationwide the CRM industry is valued at several billion dollars per year. Graduates may find careers in the following fields:

  • Private contract firms
  • Federal, state, and local contracts
  • Land management agencies for all public land, such as park services
  • Museums
  • Academia

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

David Byers

Associate Professor, Graduate Program Director
Email: david.byers@usu.edu
Office: MAIN 245C
Phone: (435) 797-1178

I am not a current USU student

I have not applied or been admitted, even if I've taken a USU Concurrent Enrollment course

I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

The department will consider applications from students with undergraduate degrees in subjects other than anthropology. Acceptance in these cases may require fulfilling certain course prequisites.

Application Requirements:

  • Complete the online application
  • Pay the $55 application fee
  • Score at or above the 40th percentile on the GRE
  • Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
  • Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
  • Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

The department has the following deadline:

  • Fall Semester – February 1

Program Requirements

Students must complete at least one of the following requirements:

  • An internship of three credits. Students are placed with internships through the department's contacts; usually local agencies.
  • Field experience in archaeology. Students may use previous field experiences, or participate in the department's optional field school, which is offered every summer and typically lasts six to eight weeks, full time. It is offered in different locations each year.

Plan Options

Students can receive the MS by pursuing one of two options:

  • In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and must write a thesis.
  • The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or creative work of art and is expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards as a thesis.

Financial Aid

Some financial assistance is available in the form of graduate assistantships. These funds are distributed through a competitive process, based on student qualifications, performance, and interests. Contact the department to see what is currently available.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.

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