MA Anthropology at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Get fundamental training in four subfields of anthropology — archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology and linguistic anthropology — with applied study experiences in each area. Enjoy small cohorts with guaranteed funding through assistantships that will support your individual research goals. We offer flexible courses in basic and advanced theory and method, substantive knowledge areas, research design, data analysis and interpretation, and practical field skills.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Anthropology | Duration: 6-9 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Describe and evaluate the historical development and contemporary expressions of anthropological theory. Recognize and describe research themes and content from all subfields. Conduct document-based and field research to engage in professional-level scholarly dialogue, lead classroom discussions and present scholarly papers.

Career pathways

Potential careers include College Professor, Coroner Technician, Data Analyst, Exhibit Arranger, Field Archaeologist, Lab Technician.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Applicants for the Master’s degree must have a baccalaureate degree from an approved college of university. Applicants must be recommended to the Graduate School for acceptance by the Department of Anthropology. Admission requirements include official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities (whether a degree was earned or not), a personal statement of the student’s interest and intent, a writing sample, and at least two letters of recommendation. Applicants to the Professional MA track in archaeology must demonstrate completion of a field school or commensurate supervised field experience. A strong applicant should have a 3.50 GPA. Practically speaking, an applicant intending to seek a MA should be supported by at least two faculty members willing to serve as mentors in order to be admitted into the program.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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