Program Overview
Humanity is multifaceted and complex. The human experience is shaped by biology, culture, history, and language. Anthropologists study what it means to be human, drawing on a wide range of approaches from the humanistic to the scientific. They examine such topics as historical and material artifacts, language and culture, and biology and evolution.
Through the Anthropology Master’s Degree Program, you’ll learn to leverage interdisciplinary insights to solve problems in an increasingly interconnected world. You’ll develop competence in cross-cultural understanding, with applications in fields ranging from advertising to medicine.
Through the master’s degree in the field of anthropology you’ll:
- Build a foundation in anthropological theories and social science methods, including opportunities to explore archaeological, ethnographic, evolutionary, and linguistic approaches to the study of societies past and present.
- Deepen your understanding of how culture shapes shared patterns of belief and behavior.
- Enhance your understanding of similarities and differences across cultures, including their origins and development.
- Research important topics including ideology, folklore, religion, gender, medicine, technology, media, race, politics, law, land use, ethnic conflict, and environmental crisis.
Program Benefits
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Customizable path
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Expert instructors, including faculty from Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences
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Personalized academic advising
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A faculty-supported thesis or applied research project
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Paid research opportunities
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Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation
Customizable Course Curriculum
Our course curriculum is flexible in pace and customizable by design. You can study part time, choosing courses that fit your schedule and align with your career goals.
As you work through the 12-course program, you’ll have the opportunity to examine topics focused on identity and social justice. You can further customize your studies by selecting either a thesis or capstone track or choosing electives that align with your interests.
11 Online Courses
Courses are primarily synchronous, with fall, spring, January, and summer options.
Sample Courses:
- Understanding Race and Racism
- Histories and Ethnographies of Capitalism
- Archaeology of the African Holocene
- Moctezuma’s Mexico Then and Now: Ancient Empire, Race Mixture, and Finding LatinX
On-Campus Experience
Join faculty and peers in person for Engaging in Scholarly Conversation, which you can take in either:
- 2 weekends
- A 3-week summer session
See course spotlight.
Thesis or Capstone Track
Choose the track that fits your goals:
- Thesis: a 9-month independent research project with a faculty advisor
- Capstone: an academic project in a classroom community
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program. You first register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.
Upcoming Terms: Summer 2025 & Fall 2025
You can enroll in your first admission course this summer or fall. Course registration opens March 3 for summer and in mid-July for fall.
To get started, explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.
Earning a Stackable Certificate
After admission to the anthropology graduate program, as you work toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a Social Justice Graduate Certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a second professional credential.
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.
Download: Anthropology Master's Degree Fact Sheet
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37
Average Age
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1-2
Courses Taken Each Semester
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78%
Work Full Time
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94%
Would Recommend the Program
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31%
Professional Experience in the Field
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Most
Pursued for Career Change or Personal Enrichment
Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes
With their knowledge of history, people, and places, our anthropology alumni have gone on to top PhD programs, including at Harvard University, Brown University, Brandeis University, and Simmons College.
They are currently working in the fields of education, engineering, financial services, forensic science, museums, research, and writing and publishing.
Career Advising and Mentorship
Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs.
Your Harvard University Degree
Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will receive your Harvard University degree — a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Anthropology.
Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network
As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
Be part of the community. The people at the Extension School have life experience, knowledge, and diversity, all of which is absolutely critical.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $40,080 |
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.
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Coffee Chat: All About Liberal Arts Programs at HES
Are you interested in learning more about liberal arts graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Attendees joined us for an informational webinar where they had the opportunity to connect with program directors, academic advisors, and alumni.
