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Master of Arts in Applied Anthropology

The MAA Anthropology degree is a professional science master’s (PSM). This CRM-focused program combines rigorous study in anthropological science (STEM) with skill-based coursework in management, policy, verbal communication, GIS, and technical writing. The program typically consists of 18 months of academic preparation including a professional internship in the government or private sector.

To view admission and program requirements, view the Graduate Catalog.

MAA Emphasis Areas

Cultural Resource Management Emphasis

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Course Number and Title Credits
ANTH 524 Introduction to Cultural Resource Management 3
Take at least 1 of the following:
GEOG 560 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)
HES 600 SES (Social-Ecological Systems) Research Methods (3)
HES 610 Spatial Analysis (3)
3
Take at least 6 credits from the following:
Electives to be approved by the student’s advisor.
6
Total Emphasis Credits 12

User Research and Ethnographic Practice Emphasis

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Course Number and Title Credits
ANTH 540 Fundamentals of Design Anthropology 3
ANTH 541 Ethnography for User Experience Research 3
ANTH 542 Emerging Digital Cultures 3
Take at least 3 credits from the following:
Electives to be approved by the student’s advisor.
3
Total Emphasis Credits 12

Admission Requirements

All individuals admitted to Regular Status as a graduate student in Anthropology must have:

  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or a degree from a non-U.S. institution of higher education that is judged equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree by the International Admissions Office.
  • An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 (based on a 4-point scale) computed for all undergraduate credits from the applicant’s most recent baccalaureate degree.

Provisional Status may be granted to those otherwise promising applicants who do not meet GPA requirements or who have undergraduate coursework deficiencies.

Enrollment in all master’s programs is competitive, and achievement of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Application and Materials Deadlines

The Anthropology department currently only admits students for a fall semester start. Applicants may apply at any time, but it is recommended that these deadlines are followed for fall admission and financial aid opportunities.

January 15 – Priority application deadline to be considered for merit-based financial assistance
May 1 – Regular application deadline for Fall semester admission (financial assistance may not be awarded)
June 30Final Graduate College deadline (no financial assistance)

Required Application Materials

The following items are required for the MAA Anthropology application:

  1. Graduate College ApplicationComplete the Graduate College application.
  2. Application Fee – Pay the $65 Domestic or $95 International application fee in the online application system.
  3. Transcripts – Please request official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts to be sent to Boise State. Learn more about submitting transcripts to Boise State.
  4. TOEFL or IELTS Scores – Required for international applicants only. Learn more about language score requirements. GRE scores are not required to apply.
  5. 2 Letters of Recommendation – Applicants will provide contact information for two academic faculty references in the application system. Upon submission of the recommender’s contact information, an email will be sent to the recommender with a link to upload a letter of recommendation.
  6. Personal Letter – Two-page (500-word) personal letter of intent describing your background, academic interests, career goals, and your reasons for your interest in the MAA Anthropology program.
  7. Writing Sample – Provide a writing sample of your best undergraduate work.

Financial Aid

Teaching Assistantships that include a stipend, tuition, and fee waiver, and student health insurance may be available to M.A.A. students on a competitive basis. Additional support for master’s research projects may be available from faculty members in the form of research assistantships. Other forms of financial aid, such as loans or the College Work-Study Program, are available to graduate students. Prospective students should contact the Financial Aid Office and consult the Boise State University catalog.

Contact

Dr. Cheryl Anderson
Graduate Program Coordinator
cherylanderson300@boisestate.edu