Overview

The Anthropology programme at Harvard University provides a comprehensive exploration of the human experience through the lenses of biology, history, and language. Students engage with a rigorous curriculum designed to foster deep cross-cultural understanding and analytical skills. This Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree is tailored for professionals seeking to solve complex problems in an interconnected global society.

The course structure is uniquely designed to allow students to prove their academic capability through performance-based admissions. By completing specific initial courses, learners demonstrate their readiness for graduate-level study while earning credits toward their final degree. This approach ensures that the student body is composed of dedicated individuals with diverse life experiences and professional backgrounds.

Why Anthropology at Harvard University?

Studying at this institution provides access to world-class faculty and a vast global alumni network of over 400,000 members. The programme offers a blend of synchronous online learning and vital on-campus experiences in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Students benefit from the Mignone Centre for Career Success and have opportunities to participate in paid research through the Faculty Aide Programme.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 3440 per module
National fee: USD 3440 per module
Local fee: USD 3440 per module

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 12 graduate courses, including a choice between a research-intensive thesis or a collaborative capstone project. Modules may include:

Graduate Studies in Anthropology and Psychology
Archaeology of the African Holocene
Histories and Ethnographies of Capitalism
Moctezuma’s Mexico Then and Now
Race and Racism
Contemporary Spiritualities
The Opioid Epidemic
Engaging in Scholarly Conversation
Writing in the Social Sciences

Careers with Anthropology

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for diverse professional paths and further academic pursuits. Many alumni have successfully transitioned into top-tier PhD programmes at prestigious institutions. The interdisciplinary nature of the training prepares individuals for impactful roles across various sectors, including:

Education and academic research
Museum curation and forensic science
Public health and non-governmental organisations
Financial services and engineering
Media, writing, and publishing
Community development and public service

The skills gained in ethnographic research and social analysis are increasingly valued in management and advertising, where cultural competency is essential. By completing this degree, students join a community of scholars dedicated to understanding and improving the human condition.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Anthropology

Archaeology

History

Geography

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Anthropology View 160 other Masters in Anthropology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To begin the admission process, you simply register—no application needed—for the following three, four-credit, graduate-level degree courses:

SSCI 100A Proseminar: Introduction to Graduate Studies and Scholarly Writing in the Social Sciences—Anthropology and Psychology
1 anthropology and archaeology course
1 anthropology and archaeology course or elective (e.g., EXPO 42b)

The three courses don't need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester, but each course must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0. Before you enroll in any degree-applicable courses, you need to possess a bachelor’s degree.

English is the language of instruction at Harvard Extension School. If your native language is not English, you must have provided designated proof of English proficiency to register in the courses.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Out-of-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

3440 USD / module

≈ 3440 USD / module

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Anthropology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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