Anthropology

MIT Anthropology offers undergraduate students exposure to diverse human cultures, providing perspectives relevant to other fields in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and engineering. Our courses also offer intensive introduction to areas of faculty specializations, including social and political organization, the organization and cultures of science and technology, environmental movements and policies, agriculture and food production, religion and symbolism, photography and film, ethics, law and human rights, gender studies, nationalism and ethnic identity, and the profession of medicine and public health.

Undergraduates can major, minor, or concentrate in Anthropology. Students create programs of study with the aid of their primary academic advisors, and their minor or major advisor in Anthropology. Anthropology also offers joint degree programs in combination with engineering, science, or management fields.

FULL MAJOR (Leading to a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology)

Twelve subjects:

• Four required subjects: 21A.00, 21A.01, 21A.802, and 21A.155
• AND Six anthropology subjects that make up a coherent program
• AND EITHER 21A.ThT and 21A.ThU (with faculty approval, an honors thesis)
  OR
  Two additional anthropology subjects

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers an Anthropology program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, societies, and cultures across the globe. The program curriculum encompasses a diverse array of courses that span archaeological, biological, and sociocultural anthropology, allowing students to develop interdisciplinary perspectives on human life. Students are required to complete core courses in anthropological theory, ethnography, and ethnology, which lay the foundation for more advanced specialized classes. Practical fieldwork and research are integral components of the program, encouraging students to gain hands-on experience in diverse environments and conduct original research projects. The program also emphasizes the importance of quantitative and qualitative methods, training students in data collection, analysis, and presentation techniques. Electives enable students to focus on particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Americas, or specific subfields, like linguistic anthropology or biological anthropology. To graduate, students must fulfill a minimum credit requirement through a combination of coursework, thesis research, and seminars. Undergraduate students typically pursue a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Anthropology, which may involve completing a capstone project or thesis that synthesizes their learning and research. Graduate students can pursue Master's or Ph.D. programs, engaging in more in-depth research and contributing original knowledge to the field. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to participate in internships, studying abroad, and collaborative research initiatives, all aimed at preparing them for careers in academia, research institutions, cultural resource management, or related fields. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and ethical research practices, ensuring graduates are equipped to address complex anthropological questions in a globalized society.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides a comprehensive range of financing options to support students enrolled in its Anthropology program. Undergraduate students at MIT can take advantage of a variety of financial aid solutions, including need-based grants, scholarships, and loans. The institute's financial aid program is designed to meet the demonstrated financial need of each student, ensuring that economic circumstances do not hinder access to its world-class education. For domestic undergraduate students, MIT offers a need-blind admission process, meaning that an applicant's financial situation does not influence admission decisions, and the Institute pledges to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants and work-study opportunities, with minimal reliance on loans. This approach allows talented students from all economic backgrounds to pursue studies in Anthropology without the burden of excessive debt.

Graduate students in the Anthropology program also benefit from various financial support mechanisms. These include fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and departmental grants that cover tuition fees and provide stipends to support living expenses. Many graduate stipends are funded through research grants obtained by faculty members, and they often foster opportunities for students to participate in scholarly research projects. Additionally, MIT offers several external fellowship programs, which students can apply for to supplement the funding provided by the Institute. These external resources significantly reduce the financial burden and allow students to focus on their academic and research activities.

Furthermore, MIT's Office of Financial Assistance provides personalized counseling to prospective and current students to navigate the complex landscape of financial support. The Institute encourages students to explore all available sources of funding, including external scholarships, grants, and employment opportunities through the MIT Student Employment Office. International students pursuing Anthropology at MIT are also eligible for some of the same need-based aid programs as domestic students, although scholarship options may be somewhat more limited and typically require external sponsorship or external fellowships.

Overall, MIT’s robust financing framework aims to foster an inclusive academic environment by providing substantial financial aid resources to both undergraduate and graduate students in its Anthropology program. This commitment ensures that financial barriers do not prevent qualified students from benefitting from the Institute's rigorous and innovative educational offerings.

The Anthropology program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human societies, cultures, and biological variations across time and space. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from archaeology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and ethnology to explore the diversity of human experience. Students engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical research methods, preparing them for careers in academia, research, museums, cultural resource management, and policy-making.

MIT’s Anthropology department fosters a collaborative academic environment where students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and resources, including archaeological labs, biological anthropology facilities, and ethnographic research centers. The curriculum includes coursework in cultural anthropology, archaeological methods, evolution, genetics, language, and ethnographic fieldwork. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, often involving fieldwork in various regions around the world, contributing to their practical knowledge and research skills.

The program also offers a minor and a PhD option, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across MIT’s broader academic community, including the School of Science, College of Computing, and Sloan School of Management. This interconnected approach enriches students' learning and research experiences, enabling innovative approaches to anthropological questions. Graduates of the MIT Anthropology program are well-equipped to pursue advanced research, work in international development, heritage management, or continue their studies in graduate or professional schools.

MIT’s Anthropology faculty comprise leading scholars in their fields, dedicated to mentoring students and advancing anthropological research. The department regularly hosts seminars, guest lectures, and conferences that encourage scholarly exchange and keep students abreast of current debates and methodologies in anthropology. Overall, the program aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and comprehensive knowledge necessary for understanding complex human issues in a globalized world.