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Anthropology and Archaeology Master’s Degree Program

  • Earn Your Way In

    Excel in 3 Degree Courses to Qualify for Admission

  • Format

    Online and On Campus

  • Average Course Tuition

    $3,100

  • Total number of courses

    12

vintage sculpture of Brahma in the bush

Explore human cultures and societies.

Gain a deep understanding of global complexities and their implications on the human experience.

What You'll Learn

Through the graduate degree in the field of anthropology and archaeology you:

  • Build a foundation in the theories and methods of anthropology and archaeology through the investigation of the material culture of past societies.
  • Enhance your understanding of the similarities and differences across cultures, including their origins and their contemporary implications for ideology, religion, gender, land use, ethnic conflict, race, and current political and environmental crises.
  • Choose between an individual one-on-one thesis research project or a final capstone project completed in community with your fellow candidates.
  • Earn an optional graduate certificate in social justice.

Your Harvard Degree
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Anthropology and Archaeology.

Our Community at a Glance

Our working adult students don't need to wait to finish their degrees to start enjoying the career benefits of their Harvard education. Well over 50% of graduates every year report to us that simply completing courses toward their degrees contributes to career benefits.

  • 37

    Average Age

  • 1

    Average Courses Taken Each Semester

  • 71%

    Work Full Time

  • 100%

    Would Recommend the Program

  • 28%

    Professional Experience in the Field

  • Most

    Pursued for Career Change or Personal Enrichment

Admissions, Courses, and Degree Requirements

At Harvard Extension School, your admission is based largely on your performance in three specific Harvard Extension courses that you complete before submitting an application.

To get started, we invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

Ultimately, I want to teach, I want to keep researching and I want to keep using photography to explore anthropological ideas and really bring those ideas to the public.

Cost and Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

Our Tuition (2022–23 rate) $3,100 per 4-credit course ($775 per credit)
Average Tuition of Peer Institutions $5,476 per course
Average Total Cost $37,200

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Learning & Connection

Deep learning springs from human connection. That’s why we work so hard to bring people together — whether in a live virtual classroom or an in-person seminar on campus.

Our approach to online learning fosters interaction without sacrificing flexibility. Each week, you’ll engage with your instructor, participate in peer discussions, and receive one-on-one support from teaching staff—all from your home or office.

Online Learning at Harvard Extension School
Student at computer