M.A. in Anthropology with a concentration in Museum Anthropology and Certificate in Museum Anthropology

Apply | FAQs

The ASU School of Human Evolution and Social Change Offers a Unique Interdisciplinary Museum Anthropology Program.

"Most of what we know of the whole human trajectory we know through objects." — Professor William Simmons, Senior Vice President of Academic Outreach and Affiliated Programs, Brown University.

Students Laura Wenzel (left) and Judith Andrews (right) volunteer at the opening  reception of an ASU Museum of Anthropology exhibit.

In a school where the study of anthropology encompasses the sciences, social sciences and humanities, we have developed a unique program to explore the growing interest in how museums actively produce knowledge, as well as examine fundamental questions concerning the role of museums in societies all over the world. Museum anthropology addresses both cultural and societal interests and also acknowledges the immense policy implications that can only be understood through the collaboration of specialists from multiple disciplines. It is this interdisciplinary cross-cultural approach that forms the core of the Museum Anthropology program at ASU.

The degree program offers a theoretical approach to the study of museums and is designed to involve students with the principles, practices and critical analyses of museums. Courses in the Museum Anthropology program address topics that are prominent in contemporary anthropology—representation, materiality, cultural property, visual culture, public culture, globalization and post-colonial encounters—in relation to past and present museum settings and activities. Additionally, the program promotes exploration into the ways that anthropologically informed perspectives and methods can find expression in contemporary museum practice.

Museum Anthropology students have many resources available to them, including the Deer Valley Rock Art Center, ASU Museum of Anthropology, Archaeological Research Institute and the School of Human Evolution and Social Change's archaeological and ethnographic collections. There is also a close-knit community of museums within ASU and many museums around the Phoenix metro area that have a relationship with the program. Courses in the program are taught both by professors at ASU and by museum professionals, strengthening the program’s relationship with the wider museum community and allowing for a variety of opinions and perspectives.

Students can apply to ASU’s Museum Anthropology program to receive either an M.A. in Anthropology with an emphasis in Museum Anthropology, or a Certificate in Museum Anthropology. Both M.A. and certificate students gain practical museum experience while being encouraged to challenge preconceived notions about museums and look critically at how museums impact societies and cultures.

If your questions are not addressed by these Frequently Asked Questions, contact the ASU Museum of Anthropology's assistant curator, Catherine Nichols. For questions regarding the application process or applying, see these FAQs, or contact Georgie Miller, graduate academic success specialist for the School of Human Evolution and Social Change.

Faculty:
Gwyneira Isaac, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Director, ASU Museum of Anthropology
Arleyn Simon, Director, Archaeological Research Institute
Judy Newland, Exhibit Developer, ASU Museum of Anthropology (teaches Exhibit Design and Development)