Master of Arts in Anthropology is a two-year postgraduate program that helps students gain knowledge about human societies, cultures, and biological aspects. It covers topics like Social and Cultural Anthropology, Archaeological Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, and Applied Anthropology.
The candidates who hold a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks in Anthropology or relevant fields can apply for the MA in Anthropology. Admission is merit-based or through entrance exams such as CUET PG, UGC NET, etc. Some institutions that teach courses in Anthropology are the University of Mysore, Banaras Hindu University, and Pondicherry University.
MA in Anthropology graduates can work in research organisations, cultural resource management, and public health. Forensic Anthropologist, Archaeologist, Cultural Resource Manager, and Social Researcher are some of the career options that an Anthropology degree holder can opt for. The package offered to freshers is between INR 4.5 LPA and INR 8 LPA.
- MA Anthropology Course Highlights
- What is MA Anthropology?
- Why Study MA Anthropology?
- MA Anthropology Colleges in India
- MA Anthropology Admission Process
- MA Anthropology Eligibility
- MA Anthropology Entrance Exam
- MA Anthropology Syllabus
- MA Anthropology Jobs
- MA Anthropology Future Scopes
- MA Anthropology FAQ
MA Anthropology Course Highlights
The table below shows the Master of Arts Anthropology course highlights:
Category | Details |
Course Name | MA in Anthropology |
Duration | 2 years |
Eligibility | Bachelor's degree in Anthropology or related fields with a minimum of 50% marks |
Admission Process | Merit-based/ Entrance Exam |
Exams Accepted | CUET-PG, UGC-NET , etc |
Average Course Fee | INR 9,650 - INR 60,000 per year |
Top Colleges | Pondicherry University, Andhra University, University of Mysore, etc |
Career Prospects | Compliance Officer, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Urban and Regional Planner, Anthropologist, etc |
Average Salary | INR 4.5 - 8 LPA (Freshers) |
Top Employers | UNESCO, ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), WHO, Government Research Agencies, NGOs, Universities |
What is MA Anthropology?
Master of Arts in Anthropology is a professional degree that focuses on the study of human societies and behaviours. The course curriculum focuses on subjects such as cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, etc. Aspirants pursuing an anthropology master's program acquire practical skills to analyse and understand cultural diversity across different societies.
Masters in Anthropology professionals are in high demand due to the growing significance of global culture. The graduates have adequate theoretical and practical knowledge that helps them work in research, education, and international organisations.
Why Study MA Anthropology?
An MA in Anthropology opens diverse career options for candidates. The graduates can explore careers in universities, research institutions, museums, government agencies, international organisations, etc. A few reasons to pursue a Master of Arts in Anthropology are listed below:
- The professionals have the opportunity to work in reputed organisations like UNESCO, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and cultural preservation institutes.
- A Master's in Anthropology helps candidates enhance their skills in cultural anthropology, archaeology, ethnography, and human evolution, which enables them to analyse human behaviours across different societies.
MA Anthropology Colleges in India
The table below shows the list of MA Anthropology collegesalong with their annual course fee:
NIRF Ranking 2024 (Overall) | College Name | Location | 1st year Fees |
101-150 | Pondicherry University | Pondicherry, Puducherry | INR 20,742 |
25 | University of Hyderabad | Hyderabad, Telangana | INR 9,650 |
41 | Andhra University | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | INR 26,000 |
86 | University of Mysore | Mysore, Karnataka | INR 19,360 |
11 | Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | INR 60,000 |
MA Anthropology Admission Process
Master of Arts in Anthropology admission is based on merit/ entrance examination. The admission is mostly the same for all institutions; however, the admission process of Andhra University is mentioned below:
- Visit the official website of Andhra University
- Fill out the application form, upload the necessary documents and pay the application fee, and submit the form.
- The candidates will be evaluated based on their merit in academics or through their scores in the national entrance examination.
- The list of selected candidates will be released on the university website.
- The selected candidates will have to appear for in-person admission and get their documents verified, and pay the admission fee.
MA Anthropology Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the MA in Anthropology can vary for different institutions. Aspirants with a graduate degree are eligible for the PG program. The eligibility criteria for the Master of Arts in Anthropology at BHU are mentioned below:
- Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree (10+2+3 pattern) in any discipline from any UGC/AICTE-recognised institution
- A minimum of 50% aggregate marks
MA Anthropology Entrance Exam
The table below shows the list of entrance exams accepted for admission to the MA in Anthropologycourse:
Exams | Registration Date | Exam Date |
CUET PG 2026 | Feb 1, 2026 (Tentative) | March 13 to 31, 2026 (Tentative) |
UGC-NET 2025 | April 2025 | 2nd week of June 2025 |
JMI Entrance Exam | April 10, 2025 | April 26, 2025 onwards |
MA Anthropology Syllabus
The syllabus for the MA in Anthropology is similar across colleges in India. However, the semester-wise syllabusof Andhra University is mentioned below:
Semester | Courses |
Sem 1 | Introduction to Social-Cultural Anthropology, Introduction to Biological Anthropology, Introduction to Palaeo Anthropology, Comparative Ethnography, Practicals in Anthropology |
Sem 2 | Indian Society and Culture, Demography and Reproductive Child Health, Medical Anthropology, Research Methods and Field Work, Ecological Anthropology |
Sem 3 | Theories of Culture, Urban Anthropology, Applied Anthropology, Political and Economic Anthropology, Visual and Communication Anthropology |
Sem 4 | Theories of Social Structure, Anthropology and Human Rights, Anthropology of Ageing and Gender, Development Anthropology, Field Report & Viva-Voce |
MA Anthropology Jobs
After completing the Master of Arts in Anthropology, graduates can explore a variety of job prospects such as Compliance Officer, Market Research Analyst, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Anthropologist,and much more. Some of the job roles, along with the average package, are mentioned below:
Job Profile | Average Salary (INR) | Years of Experience |
Anthropologist | 4.5 - 8 LPA | 0-2 years |
Compliance Officer | 5 - 9 LPA | 2-5 years |
Market Research Analyst | 4 - 7 LPA | 1-3 years |
Public Relations Manager | 5.5 - 9 LPA | 2-4 years |
Diversity and Inclusion Manager | 6.5 - 11 LPA | 3-5 years |
Urban and Regional Planner | 5.5 - 10 LPA | 2-4 years |
MA Anthropology Future Scopes
Candidates with an MA in Anthropology have diverse job opportunities in education, social services, research, and cultural organisations. A Master of Arts in Anthropology Graduate can work as a cultural analyst, social researcher, museum curator, or policy advisor. The other options that are available to these graduates are mentioned below:
- Entrepreneurship: The professionals can begin their entrepreneurial journey by establishing a cultural preservation business for heritage conservation.
- Short-term Courses: The graduates can pursue short-term online courses in Forensic Anthropology, Archaeological Excavation, or Museum Management.
- Higher Education: Candidates with an MA in Anthropology can opt for higher education, such as a PhD in Anthropology.
MA Anthropology FAQ
Is fieldwork mandatory in MA Anthropology programs?
Yes. The MA Anthropology program is designed in such a way that students participate in fieldwork or ethnographic research projects. This helps the students to gain hands-on experience in cultural studies and archaeological excavation.
Can I pursue an MA in Anthropology from IGNOU?
Yes. Candidates interested in an MA in Anthropology can pursue the course from IGNOU through Open Distance Learning. Students must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. The total course fee is INR 17,800.
Can I work internationally after completing an MA in Anthropology?
Yes. Candidates who have completed their MA in Anthropology can work internationally. The MA professionals can work in global organizations like UNESCO, WHO, and the United Nations.
What is the monthly salary in the USA after completing my MA in Anthropology?
The average salary of an anthropologist can range from $4,500 to $7,500. However, the salary of the professionals can vary depending on skills and experience.
