Master's in Applied Anthropology

Deadlines for Fall (August) admission/start:

• Applications to start the program in Fall (August) typically open the previous October (about a year ahead) and close in Spring (a few months ahead of the start date).
• PRIORITY DEADLINE, February 1. Applications completed, with all materials received by February 1, will be given priority consideration for admission to the program starting that Fall. ***Typically, no more than about half of available spots will be offered to individuals that apply by the priority deadline - the remaining spots will stay open for consideration of all individuals that apply by the final deadline (please see Step 6 below).
• FINAL DEADLINE, April 1: Applications completed, with all materials received by April 1, will be considered. Earlier application is recommended so that you have time to submit all accompanying documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. If you plan to apply (or submit any last materials) close to the application deadline, it is advisable to email the graduate coordinator so that we will be expecting your materials. Applicants wishing to apply after the final deadline may contact the graduate coordinator to inquire if application is possible. 

Application to the Master of Arts in Applied Anthropology is a multi-step process.

Apply via Cal State Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility to Apply

The program is applicable to students with a variety of interests and background experiences. Students are encouraged to contact the graduate coordinator and Anthropology faculty to discuss their interests prior to applying to the program.

The following prerequisites have been set for eligibility to apply:

• Eligibility for Cal Poly Humboldt Graduate Admissions as described in the catalog.
• Bachelor’s degree completed prior to beginning the program. Bachelor’s or minor in Anthropology or Archaeology, or coursework/experience that demonstrates familiarity with the discipline and sufficient preparation to pursue the intended area of study in the MA program.
• GPA: Minimum 2.5 required by Cal Poly Humboldt. In addition, this program requires a minimum 3.0 either overall, in undergraduate major, or in last 60 attempted units of bachelor’s degree. Exceptions may be possible on a case-by-case basis if an applicant can demonstrate potential for maintaining the minimum 3.0 GPA required for graduate students, for example through excellent performance in postgraduate coursework.
• GRE scores are not required, but applicants may submit them if they desire.
• Relevant field/research/applied experience in focus area preferred but not required.

Step 2: Apply for Graduate Admissions to Cal Poly Humboldt through Cal State Apply

Complete the California State University Graduate Application online at Cal State Apply, as detailed on the graduate admissions website. Please note the following:

• On the Cal State Apply Graduate Application main page, apply to start in a Fall semester. We do not current accept applications for a Spring start.
   
• An application fee is required at time of application.
• As part of the application process on Cal State Apply, be prepared to submit the following:
  • Information for letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide contact information for at least two (maximum three) people who can evaluate your ability and potential for graduate education. At least one letter should be from faculty at the institution where your bachelor's or other advanced degree was received. The others may be a faculty or advisor from your bachelor's institution, an instructor from a different university or relevant field school you attended, or a supervisor from a relevant workplace as long as that supervisor has a master's degree or higher. When you submit your application in Cal State Apply, the letter writers that you identified will receive an email with a link to electronically submit their letter of recommendation through Cal State Apply. Be sure to follow up with your letter writers to ensure that they received the link - if they did not, they can email the letter to graduate-applicants@humboldt.edu . Electronic submission of letters is strongly preferred, but letter writers may submit letters by paper mail if necessary (see address below also for transcripts). Please contact Graduate Studies with questions regarding the submission of letters of recommendation, and the Anthropology Department with questions regarding the suitability of your letter writers.
  • Statement of purpose. (2 page maximum, single-to-double spaced) discussing all of the following:
    • Preparation and rationale for pursuing graduate study in anthropology in this program.
    • Intended focus during the MA program - subdiscipline(s) of primary interest (archaeology/bioanth/cultural/linguistics) and any specific interests.
    • Most likely culminating experience preference - exam (default) or thesis/project. If applicable, describe potential thesis/project topic interests, generally or specifically.
    • Professional goals during and after completing the MA.
    • Plans to obtain any specific skills needed to complete the intended area of focus in this program and prepare for career goals.
    • Commitment to maintaining professional conduct and abiding by ethical standards in all aspects of and activities related to anthropological research and activities.
    • Commitment to cultivating an inclusive learning community.
  • Curriculum vitae. (make sure it indicates overall and major GPA)
  • Writing sample.  (6 to 12 pages, single-to-double spaced). Your writing sample should demonstrate your ability to think critically, write clearly, and appropriately utilize and reference scholarly work. It does not need to be, but can be, in your intended focus area. One complete paper is preferred, but the writing sample can include more than one paper to reach the minimum page limit or can be truncated to fit within the maximum.
  • Optional: In addition to the above, applicants can choose to submit a sample of relevant work from an alternative medium, such as a website, video presentation, zine, or photo essay. Alternative media should be submitted as a PDF along with an explanation - in the case of a video or a website, please include a URL to the website or the video on a platform such as YouTube. If you have difficulty submitting this material in Cal State Apply, you may email it to the anthropology graduate coordinator.

Step 3: Send Official Copies of all Transcripts to Cal Poly Humboldt

Please provide one official transcript from each college or university you have ever attended. You must include a separate transcript for each institution, even if transfer credits from one institution are included on the transcript for another. These must be official transcripts, either sent electronically by the institution, or paper copies in their original sealed envelopes, mailed directly to Humboldt (address below). Please request your transcripts early so that we receive them by the application deadline, preferably several weeks in advance. Delayed transcripts are the #1 reason for application delays. Note: If you have been an Humboldt degree-seeking student within the past five years, it is possible that you may not need to submit transcripts if you transferred all other coursework to Humboldt previously – please check to confirm. Please contact Graduate Studies with questions regarding the submission of official transcripts.

Electronic copies are often faster. Typically, when requesting transcripts form your former universities, you will be able to search for Cal Poly Humboldt, and the system will input the address correctly. If you are asked to submit an email address, use: graduate-applicants@humboldt.edu

If needed, official paper transcripts must be in their original sealed envelopes and mailed to:

Cal Poly Humboldt
Office of Graduate Admissions
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521

Step 4: Submit GRE Scores (Optional)

If submitting GRE scores (optional), please use the ETS-GRE score sending service. The Anthropology Department address is:

Cal Poly Humboldt
Department of Anthropology
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521

Step 5: After you Apply

1. Once you submit your Cal State Apply application, you should receive a letter that acknowledges your application and provides instructions on how to log in and see a list of any outstanding application materials you might need. Be sure to submit missing materials asap – materials not received by the application deadline may not be considered. Please contact Graduate Studies if you have questions about this material, or if you do not receive your login information.
2. Be sure your letter writers submit their letters of recommendation by the deadline.
3. Be sure to also apply for financial aid, scholarships, and TA-ships, if desired. Some deadlines come early prior to notification of admissions. See Finances & Awards for more information.

Step 6: Notification of Status

1. For applications completed by the February 1 priority deadline, admissions decisions will be made by approximately March 1. The priority decision will be either: (a) Admission offered. This may be conditional, for example pending verification of completion of final undergraduate coursework and transcripts. (b) Pending further review - decision will be made by approximately May 1. (c) Admission declined. ***Typically, no more than about half of available spots will be offered to individuals that apply by the priority deadline - the remaining spots will stay open for consideration of all individuals that apply by the final deadline. Please do not be discouraged if you apply early and your decision is pending further review - we may simply have filled the priority spots.
2. For applications completed between February 2 – April 1, and priority applications pending further review, final decisions will be made by approximately May 1.
3. If you are offered admission, at your earliest convenience, please email the graduate coordinator to let us know if you plan to attend.
4. If you are offered admission and all application materials are received, you will receive a letter with an official offer of admission as well as information on how to complete other pre-term requirements. Around this time you will also be able to log in and officially accept admissions.
5. If you accept admission, be sure to register for classes as soon as your registration period begins. Your "registration appointment" (dates you can register) will be indicated in your online Student Center (through myHumboldt) when your pre-term requirements are complete. Please see the timelines page and consult the graduate coordinator and department chair for help selecting classes.
6. Incoming students will be assigned an initial academic advisor near the beginning of the first semester. Advisors will be chosen based on your areas of interest and faculty availability and may change during the program. Until your advisor is assigned, the graduate coordinator and department chair will serve as advisors.
7. If you were not offered admission, please know that this is not necessarily a reelection of the quality of your application or experience. We receive many more applications than there are spots in the program. Please contact the graduate coordinator if you have questions or concerns about admissions decisions.

Apply via Cal State Apply

The Master of Arts in Applied Anthropology at Cal Poly Humboldt is a flexible degree program focused on building competitive, marketable skills for the application of anthropological perspectives, methods, theories, and practices in a diverse array of careers in academic, professional, and global contexts.

Anthropology is a holistic science dedicated to the study of human biological and cultural diversity and evolution. Anthropologists integrate methods and theories from across the sciences, arts, and humanities to gain a deep understanding of how people live in and respond to their environments.

Anthropology includes four intersecting subfields: archaeology, biological anthropology, sociocultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology (read more about the subfields...). The subfield of applied anthropology overlays the other subfields and aims to apply anthropological methods, theories, and practices to contemporary issues. 

Students in the MA Applied Anthropology program form a cohesive educational and career plan while they focus on one of the modern or traditional areas of anthropology or utilize the freedom that is intrinsic within the discipline to bridge disciplines as relevant to research and career interests.

This hybrid program begins with a brief orientation that students can attend in person or virtually. During this time, students build camaraderie and are introduced to the program and department/campus resources.

Students undertake the required core courses online - this enables freedom in location of residence and research. The online coursework is primarily asynchronous to enable flexibility in planning days and times to complete assignments each week. In addition to core courses, students take either on-campus and online electives.

The program is career-oriented. The core courses focus on broadly applicable skills/strategies and the application of theory to applied career/research interests, while the electives, internship and culminating experience enable students to specialize in focus areas.

The applied design of the program emphasizes that students consider the real-world relevance and applicability of their interests, experiences, and research.

Cal Poly Humboldt has been named a top Master's University and a Top University >Read more 

• Curriculum focused on building relevant, competitive, rewarding, marketable skills.
• Development of broadly applicable research and professional skills.
• Hands-on training available on campus or in the field.
• Flexible distance learning core courses to enable freedom in residence and research locations.
• Resume’ and skill-building internship experience.
• Culminating experience options - exam, thesis, or project.

Upon completion of the MA degree in Applied Anthropology, students will:

1. Communicate substantive knowledge of the field of applied anthropology, and apply disciplinary principles, theories, methods and approaches to address complex issues within academic and non-academic settings.
2. Demonstrate expertise in a focus area; evaluate, design, and apply relevant research in that area.
3. Employ a wide range of graduate level academic and professional skills enabling one to function effectively in academic and non-academic settings.
4. Demonstrate professional ethics and social responsibility in anthropological practice.
5. Demonstrate critical awareness of our globalized world and recognize multiculturalism and diversity as fundamental characteristics.

Please see the catalog for a list of program requirements. Please pay attention to the catalog year corresponding to when a student begins the program. 

The program includes 5 core courses, an internship, a culminating experience (exam, thesis, or project), and 9 to 12 units of electives. For elective options, students are encouraged to peruse the catalog, the schedule, this planning form, and the rotation and online/in-person plan, and to discuss options with their advisor. 

Students are supported in their effort to achieve a mastery of subject/skills pertinent to their culminating experience and career trajectories prior. This may include taking specific elective courses, participating in workshops, trainings, and fieldwork, and/or demonstrating practical skills. Any skills expectations will be set by the advisor with approval from the graduate coordinator.

An exciting part of the MA program is completing your applied anthropological internship. The internship encompasses 135 hours and may take place at one or more advisor-approved locations that provide training relevant to the program, discipline, or related career path. All internship hours must encompass new learning/responsibilities and have a supervisor - independent study shall not count. Relevant field schools may count, but only hours not also associated with units being used to complete the program's elective requirements. Internships may be paid or unpaid and can be related to present or new employment. Students may receive credit for hours completed prior to enrollment in ANTH 682 if those hours took place while enrolled in the MA program and all pertinent requirements (internship paperwork, etc.) were completed prior to and during the internship. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and consider all organizations and positions, not just those that advertise official "internships." Students in the program will be added to a Canvas site with further information.

Students complete one culminating experience, either a comprehensive exam, a thesis, or a project. All students enter the program on track to complete a comprehensive exam as the culminating experience option. Students wishing to instead complete a thesis or project must meet eligibility requirements and submit a proposal for consideration. Students enrolled in the program will be added to a Canvas site with additional information. Below is a summary of the options.

Comprehensive Exam: 

The comprehensive exam consists of three areas: (1) applied anthropology in general, (2) a subfield of interest, and (3) a focus-specific area. Prior to taking the exam, students compile a 75-entry annotated bibliography comprised of 25 entries per area. Students then complete an exam in each area. The exam is typically essay-based but may include practical components. Students are advised to consider their areas (in consultation with their advisor) and to begin to build their annotated bibliographies early in the program. Students become eligible to attempt the examination during the semester in which all required coursework will be completed. A student must have advanced to candidacy before they can take the exam. During the semester of the exam, students should register for ANTH 691, which is a 3-unit course. Students will be added to an ANTH 691 Canvas course through which the exam and related assignments will be administered. 

Thesis/Project: 

Eligibility requirements for a thesis/project: (1) Complete at least 15 units of coursework toward the MA degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above and (2) demonstrate proficiency in research and writing skills by earning a grade of A- or above in ANTH 674. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis if the student can otherwise document sufficient preparation to successfully complete a thesis/project. Exceptions must be approved by the advisor, graduate coordinator, and anthropology department chair.

Thesis/Project Proposal: Submit a proposal after or near the end of the semester in which eligibility requirements are anticipated to be met - recommended submission is one month prior to the end of the term. Include the following sections in a 2-3 page (single/double spaced) proposal. Details on the proposal requirements are provided via Canvas for students enrolled in the program. 

Completing a thesis/project: After gaining approval, students will establish a committee chair and preliminary thesis/project plan. Conferring with the chair, the committee is then formed. Students then complete IRB/IACUC applications as applicable. Students complete 6 units of ANTH 690 while completing research and presenting thesis chapters / project sections to chair and then committee. An in-person/online defense and submit approved thesis/project during the final semester in the program. 

Students are to apply for "Advancement to Candidacy & Graduation" early in the semester prior to expected graduation – for example, at the beginning of the Fall semester for graduation in the following Spring semester. You can file for Advancement to Candidacy & Graduation in the semester you intend to graduate, but this may not leave adequate time to plan and meet all other deadlines. See requirements for Advancement to Candidacy and Graduation

Changes to degree plans (e.g., coursework, thesis/exam option, committee members, etc...) made after filing for Advancement to Candidacy may be made using the Request for Program Variation or Waiver form. Changes to graduation date require a Graduation Date Change Request form.

Students wishing to walk in the graduation ceremony are advised to keep a close eye on Cal Poly Humboldt Activities & Deadlines – deadlines are very early semester. 

In-State Tuition

Tuition and costs are described on this financial aid webpage. Please note that tuition rates are given for full-time students (greater than 6 units per semester). Those students attending part-time (0-6 units) pay less per term. You can estimate part-time fees by looking at the tuition and fees page (scroll down to Registration Fee Information & Rates and select a recent term). Keep in mind that tuition may change per year.

Out-of-State Tuition

• Cal Poly Humboldt is part of the Western Regional Graduate Program - residents of the following states are eligible for reduce out-of-state tuition at Cal Poly Humboldt: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands/Guam.
• For other states, out-of-state tuition involves paying the regular tuition plus a per unit fee.
• A very limited number of partial out-of-state tuition waivers are available to graduate students who are not otherwise eligible for in-state tuition. These waivers typically last one semester during which students must enroll in at least 10 units, and the additional out-of-state tuition is waived for part of the units (typically between 1-3). We do not anticipate having fee waivers available for students who begin the program in Fall 2027.
• Out-of-state students can establish California residency by meeting requirements described here.

Graduate Financial Aid

Stu­dents are encour­aged to con­tact the Humboldt Financial Aid office for infor­ma­tion about avail­able grants, loans, schol­ar­ships and work study. Graduate students should also check out the Graduate Students financial aid page.

Please be sure to fill out a FAFSA (see the FAFSA website for application details and deadlines) – it is recommended that you complete each year's FAFSA the Priority Deadline indicated on the FAFSA website to maintain eligibility for all scholarships/work study possibilities.

Note: Financial aid eligibility is reassessed when student status changes from undergraduate to graduate student. Students that utilize all of their undergraduate eligibility during the academic year that they start the program may have additional eligibility as MA students. Graduate students are eligible for financial aid if they are enrolled in at least 5-units.  Please contact the Humboldt Financial Aid office for infor­ma­tion.

Types of Graduate Support & Recognition

Student Loans – Please contact the Financial Aid Office.

State University Grant - Master's students may be eligible for a State University Grant if their FAFSA application is submitted by the priority filing deadline. 

• You must be classified as a California Resident (or an AB540 eligible student) in order to be considered for the State University Grant (SUG), which is for payment of CSU tuition and is the equivalent of your yearly tuition charge. The SUG is not applied to campus based fees. This grant may be reduced or cancelled if student fees are waived or paid by another source, including Cal Grants. Initial SUG awards are based on the level of financial need and are awarded at the full-time level and for the full year.
• Graduate students must be enrolled in 5 units or more to be eligable.
• For graduates, the earned unit limit varies depending on the academic program.
• Students pursuing a second Bachelor's, second Credential, or second Master's degree are not SUG eligible.

Work Study – Students that qualify for financial aid, such as loans, are often also eligible for Federal Work Study and Graduate Student Federal Work Study. Typically students need to be full-time for work study. These are attractive alternatives to student loans, because students gain work experience and lessen debt.  Students awarded work study can obtain positions across campus –  positions are also occasionally available in the Anthropology Department on a limited basis. To apply for work study, please contact the Financial Aid Office. Also visit Humboldt Handshake for a list of all campus jobs. 

Scholarships, Fellowships, Awards & Honors – Graduate Studies maintains a list of fellowships and scholarships broadly available to Humboldt graduate students. Also see this list of scholarships and see Humboldt Scholarships. Students must complete a FAFSA on time to be eligible for scholarships and fellowships. In particular, please note these opportunities:

• Alistair & Judith McCrone Graduate Fellowship Award – This award is granted to up to three Cal Poly Humboldt graduate students per year and is typically $3000 applied towards tuition. In February, Anthropology faculty as a group are able to nominate one graduate student to compete for the award that will be applied to the following academic year - the nomination will be put forth by the graduate coordinator. To be eligible, a student must be a full time graduate student at Cal Poly Humboldt (at least 9 units per semester), have a GPA of at least 3.0, and have been in the program for less than one academic year at the time of application. In line with the award criteria, Anthropology will select the nominee based on academic merit, performance in the program to date, and the nominee's potential for contribution to their field of study. During late Spring, a reception will be held to recognize the nominees and announce the recipient of the award. If selected for the award, the recipient must be also be available to attend the reception in-person in Fall (around November) to give a short presentation of their research. Current first-year students (during, not before first year), if you would like the Anthropology faculty to consider nominating you for this award, please fill out the application linked here by February 1.
• Annual CSU Student Research Competition – This competition is held to promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate scholarly research and creative activity by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments throughout the twenty-three campuses of the California State University.  Each campus will select up to ten entries to send to the final round at a CSU campus. Cal Poly Humboldt will partially offset travel costs for each student selected to represent Humboldt. The deadline to enter projects for the Humboldt competition is usually early Spring of the applicable year. Keep an eye out for announcements.
• Patricia O. McConkey Outstanding Graduate Student Graduation with Distinction) – The Anthropology faculty as a group will nominate one graduating MA student each year based on academic merit, academic/peer service, and quality of thesis research. Nominations will be made mid-Spring for a student that is graduating that Spring (May) or that graduated the preceding Fall or Summer term.

Anthropology Scholarships and Teaching Assistantships

• Intern and Assistant Opportunities: See the Anthropology Department Internship & Student Assistant Opportunities document for more information.
• Anthropology Student Travel Funds Application.
• Instructional Student Assistant: Please see the APS page on positions for students. Please note that students may also apply for positions in departments other than Anthropology.

Employment Resources

• On-Campus positions are posted on the Humboldt Academic Personnel Services website including positions for students.
• Humboldt Career Center
• Craigslist Humbdoldt County

External Funding

Students are encouraged to seek external scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Faculty work with students to support applications.

Can students complete this program fully online / via distance?

• Yes, the core coursework for the program is online, and students can choose online or in-person electives.
• The orientation is hyflex - students can attend in-person or virtually.
• Many students choose to come to campus for some courses or to take advantage of resources and facilities, but this is not required.
• The program begins with an on-campus orientation, but accommodations are virtual attendance are possible.

Can students complete this program fully in-person without any online classes?

• The core courses compose about half of the program requirements and must be taken online.
• Students that prefer in-person classes can chose in-person electives. 
• In addition, many of our students choose to be on campus to take greater advantage of our labs, facilities, and other resources. Typically about a third to a half of students are on campus for some or all of the program.

When and where is the orientation?

• The program begins with an orientation during the first instructional week of the fall semester, typically Thursday and Friday of the third week of August (see Academic Calendar). The exact dates and times will be listed on the schedule, associated with ANTH 670. The orientation typically is in hyflex mode, which means that students can choose to attend in-person on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus or virtually. On-campus is recommended. Incoming students will be provided with specific dates and details after being accepted into the program.

How are the online courses structured?

• The online core coursework is primarily asynchronous, meaning that students will have flexibility in planning days and times to view course materials/lectures and complete assignments each week.
• There will also be some online synchronous (live web) meetings, for example via Zoom. Days and times of synchronous activities are organized with consideration that many of our students have other full-time obligations. Typically, any synchronous online meetings will be within the timeframe of Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings between 5-7 pm PST, although we will not utilize all of this time frame each week. Each class will typically have 1-3 Zoom meetings during the semester.
• All resources available to on-campus students are also available to students taking online courses. The Online 'Student Center' has numerous resources, including the ability to check transcripts, grades, registration dates, and many more items online.
• Canvas is our primary online course delivery system. Each course has its own Canvas page where you can find course information, materials, and assignments. Canvas sites for courses you are registered for will be available at the beginning of each term. You can access Humboldt Canvas pages through a link after logging in to myHumboldt

Do students have access to resources when not on campus?

• Yes. Students that attend all or part of the program via distances still have access to campus facilities and resources, both during (optional) occasional campus visits, attending our field programs, through utilizing virtual resources, or by arranging to borrow physical resources.
• Whether online or in person, students have access to the Cal Poly Humboldt library where they may access numerous resources. The library provides a wide range of support and access for distance students. Interlibrary loan enables faculty and students to access sources nationally and internationally.  Document delivery is sent via E-Mail.  E-books are available that can be searched, highlighted and notated. Every student is assigned a library account where searches, materials and notes can be stored and accessed online. A complete list of services specifically for graduate students can be found at the library website. Students can also save eBooks to their electronic bookshelf.

I have been offered and accepted admissions. How can I prepare to begin?

Congratulations! Here is what’s next:

1. Make sure you complete all pre-term requirements (see application page), apply for aid
2. Register for classes. Incoming graduate students typically begin to enroll in early June. Prior to that, you will receive information from the graduate program coordinator regarding recommended courses and initial advising. Expect this information by mid-May. 
3. Familiarize yourself with all information and links on the Anthropology Department website.
4. Plan accommodations for the orientation at the beginning of the fall semester, typically the first Thursday and Friday of classes. We highly recommend attending in person - be sure to reserve lodging well in advance.
5. A great (and exciting) way to start the program on track would be to start thinking about the topics that you would like to explore for your MA thesis/exam! You may have already identified a specific topic/project in your statement of purpose, or you may still be refining your ideas. Please take some time prior to beginning the program to consider research areas you are interested in. When coming up with ideas, particularly if you plan to apply for the thesis track, it might help to briefly list for each: (1) Your questions/hypotheses; (2) What methods could address your questions; (3) What elective courses/internship experiences might be useful for such a project; and (4) If the project could be completed within a reasonable time frame. You do not need to have your thesis/exam topics solidified before the program, but it will be useful to have a strong idea of what direction you are heading, and some potential ideas on hand. Have fun with this!
6. Another way to start preparing for the program in general is to work on collecting articles that relate to you area of interest. These will come in handy when you start your coursework.