About This Degree
The Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology offers an MS degree in anthropology with a required specialization in archaeology and cultural resource management.
Cultural resource management (CRM) archaeology provides industry and government agencies with an evaluation of heritage resources that, by law, have to be taken into account prior to the alteration of public landscapes. CRM is now an institutionalized element of the environmental management industry in the United States and many other countries. The program at USU was created in response to an expressed need for graduates qualified for management in cultural resource management, so students receive specific training for this career industry.
What You Will Learn
Anthropology at USU is specifically designed to provide the training and degree qualifications sought after by employers in both public and private sectors. The graduate program in anthropology at Utah State University responds to the changing needs of archaeology and to recommendations of archaeologists in the CRM industry. The master's degree will also prepare students intending to pursue a doctoral degree at other institutions.
A museum studies certificate is also available and is a popular choice for those interested in developing the skills needed for various careers in museums.
Specialization:
Students may choose an emphasis in one of the following areas.
Archeology and Cultural Resource Management:
With this specialization, students gain field work experience in archaeology and managing cultural artifacts.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: College of Arts & Sciences
Department: School of Social Sciences
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
Nationwide the CRM industry is valued at several billion dollars per year. Graduates may find careers in the following fields:
- Private contract firms
- Federal, state, and local contracts
- Land management agencies for all public land, such as park services
- Museums
- Academia
Job Outlook
USU Locations
LOGAN CAMPUS
Admission
Admission Requirements
The department will consider applications from students with undergraduate degrees in subjects other than anthropology. Acceptance in these cases may require fulfilling certain course prerequisites.
Application Requirements:
- Complete the online application
- Pay the $55 application fee
- Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
- Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
- Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation
- Provide a CV or Resume
- Provide a Statement of Purpose
International students have additional admissions requirements.
Deadlines
The department has the following deadline:
- Fall Semester – December 20th
Program Requirements
Students must complete at least one of the following requirements:
- An internship of three credits. Students are placed with internships through the department's contacts; usually local agencies.
- Field experience in archaeology. Students may use previous field experiences, or participate in the department's optional field school, which is offered every summer and typically lasts six to eight weeks, full time. It is offered in different locations each year.
Plan Options
Students can receive the MS by pursuing one of two options:
- In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and must write a thesis.
- The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or creative work of art and is expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards as a thesis.
Financial Aid
Some financial assistance is available in the form of graduate assistantships. These funds are distributed through a competitive process, based on student qualifications, performance, and interests. Contact the department to see what is currently available.
A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.
Take The Next Step
How to Apply
View our step-by-step guide on how to become an Aggie.
Request Information
Contact the School of Graduate Studies to ask questions or receive more information.
Cost and Funding
Calculate the cost of graduate school and learn about funding opportunities.