Public Anthropology MA

In American University’s Master of Arts in Public Anthropology program, you will explore culture, power, and history in everyday life while sharpening your skills in critical inquiry, problem solving, and public communication. Theory, practice, and social justice are at the core of our curriculum. In your coursework and your independent research, you will explore today’s pressing issues, such as healthcare justice, educational equality, militarization, debt resistance, structural violence and migration, gender and sexuality rights, and environmental justice.
Anthropology is about people, and our students are passionate about people, history, culture, and the world around them. They want their work to make a difference. You will graduate prepared for a career in public service, community organizing, or social advocacy. In this program, you will discover ways to inspire change around the issues you care most about and fight for justice on behalf of local and global communities.