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Master of Arts in Anthropology, M.A.

Master of Science in Anthropology, M.S.

Certificate of Medical Anthropology

Forensic Sciences Graduate Certificate

The Department of Anthropology at ISU offers graduate students courses leading to the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in Anthropology.

Opportunities for specialization in:

archaeological science | ecological anthropology | medical anthropology | applied anthropology

linguistics | biocomplexity | informatics | oral history

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Corri Boldt-Parsley

Corri Boldt-Parsley stands in front of a colorful outdoor wall mural

I graduated from Boise State University in 2018 and obtained a BS in Anthropology with minors in Indigenous Studies and Biology.  During my time at BSU, I was President of the Anthropology Club, worked in labs cataloging remains and lithic material, and attended a summer field school in Idaho. I am currently seeking an MS in Anthropology with a primary focus on bioarchaeology. I am interested in repatriation and creating education for the public in regard to indigenous human remains, burials, and artifacts. When I am not working you can find me reading mostly horror/fantasy/sci-fi, watching films, or spending time with my family and dogs.

Jonathan Mayes

Jonathan Mayes stands outside with a glass of wine in his hand

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in 2022 with a BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST). My senior capstone research focused on the processing and analysis of LiDAR data for archaeological feature detection at a 19th century iron furnace site. I am currently pursuing a MS in Anthropology with a concentration in Archaeological Science from Idaho State University. My research goals focus on applying current and emerging geospatial technologies to archaeological research. I have worked professionally in archaeology since 2010 in local, state and federal governments. I am currently an Archaeological Technician with the US Forest Service in my home state of Virginia. I love to read, cook and travel internationally.

Zackary Beal

Zackary Beal stands outside on a beach

I graduated from Idaho State University in 2018 with a bachelor of the arts in history – acquired during lengthy schooling, rivaling the time most invest in earning a medical degree. After a hiatus to serve in the coveted post of a stay-at-home parent, I determined to return to school. My focus in anthropology is cultural; I am particularly fascinated by historical anthropology, having studied social history as an undergrad. Post-graduation, I hope to work in the field of education, either with a museum or university. I love spending time with my wife and two lads, occasionally enjoying a craft beer (or two), building models, and cooking for myself and others.

Read more GRADUATE STUDENT STORIES

Anthropology Graduate Programs

The Department of Anthropology at ISU offers graduate students courses leading to the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in Anthropology, with opportunities for specialization in archaeological science, ecological, medical, and applied anthropology, linguistics, biocomplexity, informatics, and oral history.

Applications to enroll in graduate studies are made through the ISU Graduate School. Graduate student requirements can be found here. After acceptance into the program, graduate students should meet with their thesis advisor and fill out the. If you are interested in becoming a graduate teaching assistant please fill out the Graduate Teaching Assistantship Application.

Please contact Dr. Charles A. Speer, Director of the Anthropology Graduate Program, if you have questions regarding the graduate program, charlesspeer@isu.edu.

Anthropology Graduate Program Information

Graduate Application Deadlines

Deadlines for application forms to be completed and returned to the Graduate School are: 
February 15 for fall semester priority deadline to be considered for Graduate Teaching Assistant funding
April 1 for fall semester enrollment
November 1 for spring semester enrollment
The deadline for international students is:
June 1 for the fall semester enrollment
October 1 for spring semester enrollment

For questions, please contact Dr. Charles A. Speer, Graduate Program Director at charlesspeer@isu.edu

Goals

Students who have completed a graduate degree in Anthropology at Idaho State University should be able to:

    1. Read and understand anthropological theory at a professional level.
    2. Understand current debates within the field of anthropology.
    3. Synthesize and critically evaluate the professional literature.
    4. Use a comparative approach to theorize about the similarities and differences in the human condition across space and through time.

Measurable Outcomes - The Thesis or Non-Thesis Option should show the following competencies based on the learning objectives:

    1. Write a proposal for pure research or the application of theory to contemporary social issues.
    2. Perform quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of data appropriate to the chosen subdiscipline.
    3. Competently conceive, conduct, and write-up either research in anthropology or applications of anthropology at a level suitable for publication.

Admission Requirements

The student must apply to, and meet all criteria for admission to the Graduate School. In addition the student must provide:

    1. A letter of application, including areas of interest and professional goals;
    2. Three letters of recommendation;
    3. Undergraduate transcripts and transcripts of any previous post-graduate coursework;
    4. Minimum grade point average of 3.0;
    5. We have removed all GRE requirements.
    6. An undergraduate degree in anthropology is not required for acceptance into the program; however, students without upper division coursework in sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, and human origins equivalent to ANTH 5501, 5503, 5530, and an upper division linguistic anthropology course will be required to take these courses or approved readings courses before enrolling in content respective graduate seminars.