Master in Sociocultural Anthropology
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Academic Freedom to Discover Your Purpose
Open Curriculum Design at Atlantic International University
Atlantic International University (AIU) offers a master in sociocultural anthropology program that is designed to help you develop advanced knowledge and understanding of cultural systems, social theory and human behaviour throughout the globe across different societies. The distance learning programme focuses on providing research methodology, applied anthropology and interdisciplinary capability to prepare individuals to study social structures and cultural dynamics within and throughout local and global societies. Students of online masters in sociocultural anthropology at AIU are able to pursue their degrees within the framework of the Open Curriculum and use the Self-Directed Learning Model, thus enabling them to acquire the critical thinking, masters in anthropology research and professional skills required for successful sociocultural solutions in research policy, education and community development.
What are the Core Courses & Topics for a Master in Sociocultural Anthropology ?
Important: Below is an example of the topics or areas you may develop and work on during your studies. By no means is it a complete or required list, as AIU programs do not follow a standardized curriculum. It is meant solely as a reference point and example. Want to learn more about the curriculum design at AIU? Check here: Course and Curriculum
Through core master in cultural anthropology online subject courses which will provide a solid base for sociocultural anthropology and providing courses covering a variety of topics. Students can also take elective courses in other areas of interest may include: Medical Anthropology, Gender Studies, Indigenous Studies, Applied Anthropology to name a few! The Atlantic International University’s Master Program in Sociocultural Anthropology also offers an opportunity for ethnographic research students to design their own individualized curriculum using AIU’s flexible/self-directed learning model. Students of human culture are encouraged to integrate into their academic goals and the multidisciplinary areas of study that excite them and align with their career path!
- Anthropological Theory
- Cultural Anthropology
- Social Anthropology
- Ethnographic Research Methods
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
- Globalization and Culture
- Kinship and Family Systems
- Political Anthropology
Orientation Courses : Master in Sociocultural Anthropology
In the Master in Sociocultural Anthropology program at Atlantic International University, we provide the necessary orientation courses and introductory instruction to help students learn how to succeed as a self-directed distance learner through skills that can be developed while enrolled in accordance with their own pace and global cultures schedule.
The required orientation courses offered will usually focus on the field of social systems research topics such as the fundamentals of Andragogy and Omniology; Foundations of Online and Distance Education; Academic Writing and Research Skills; Critical Analysis and Reasoning Development; and Information Literacy. In addition to these course topics, students will also be provided with an overview of AIU’s Virtual Campus and Online Learning Platforms; Understanding AIU’s Academic Expectations; Learning Skills for Time Management, Independent Study Planning and Strategies for Success; and other tools needed to support them throughout their academic journeys.
- Communication & Investigation (Comprehensive Resume)
- Seminar Administrative Development (Book Summary)
- Organization Theory (Portfolio)
- Seminar Cultural Development (Practical Experience)
- Experiential Learning (Autobiography)
- Seminar International Development (Publications)
Research Projects : Master in Sociocultural Anthropology
Through their studies, Master’s students at Atlantic International University are gaining both the skills necessary to conduct advanced levels of analysis and fieldwork and the critical ability to perform research. Student work may involve a number of variables, including; conducting ethnographic research to develop an ethnography of a community, determining how a community uses cultural artefacts and behaviours, as well as examining and analysing the relationships between globalisation, identity and social change.
Applied research is done within public health, education or community development, using interdisciplinary approaches. In addition, students receive guidance from academic advisors about anthropology careers after masters to develop and carry out an independent research project only aligned with the student’s own research interests. The result of the independent research will be the completion of either a thesis or a capstone research project that demonstrates the student’s ability to develop/implement and fulfil the potential of their research in generating meaningful sociocultural insight.
- MBM300 Thesis Proposal
- MBM302 Masters Thesis (5,000 words)
Thesis Defense for Masters in Sociocultural Anthropology
The last phase of your formal learning as you pursue a Master in Sociocultural Anthropology from Atlantic International University will be The Defense of your Thesis, where you will present your original research in front of an academic review panel for critique & validation. In this presentation, you will provide a comprehensive overview of the objectives of your research, how you implemented your research methods and methodology, as well as discussing your findings & how they relate to theories of sociocultural anthropology. You will demonstrate both critical thinking skills and how well you have analyzed your research topic & finally how well you can link the theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
The Defense process will also include your ability to provide coherent answers to all questions asked in relation to your research and responses to all feedback provided; therefore demonstrating your competence and confidence in your research area and your ability to contribute significantly to the discipline of Sociocultural Anthropology.
Master in Sociocultural Anthropology Student Experience
The customer journey of students enrolled in the Atlantic International University’s Master in Sociocultural Anthropology degree program is extremely individualized, adaptable and global in scope. Students are given an avenue through self-directed learning to investigate a variety of cultural ways of life while balancing professional and personal obligations. Students’ ability to develop solid research, analysis and critical thinking skills are further bolstered by access to an expansive virtual campus, digital resources and personalized academic guidance. Interaction within the multicultural community created by the institution fosters an environment for sharing ideas and applications of sociocultural knowledge as well as for learning from one another in terms of real life application. Students have the opportunity to pursue research that has a meaningful impact in the world; they have the ability to use sociocultural understanding to create real-world impacts in many different areas of the world.
Community & Social
The Master in Sociocultural Anthropology from Atlantic International University (AIU) provides an opportunity for students to engage globally and learn in partnership with others. As a result, students becoming part of a global (international) community made up of students, graduates, professionals, and individuals from different countries, cultures and industries, will develop relationships and connections to different people from many parts of the world. In addition to connecting with their classmates and faculty through online solutions such as forums, webinars, academic exchanges and co-created projects, students will also actively share ideas and experiences and study anthropology with each other about social and cultural matters through these solutions.
Students will engage with their communities through participation in local initiatives and applied research projects; therefore; students will be capable of responding to global challenges. The learning experience will also allow students to develop a level of cultural competency and social responsibility as well as a strong sense of global citizenship.
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Academic Resources
The curriculum of Atlantic International University offers a wealth of academic tools for pursuing an independent, high-quality learning and research experience. Students are able to browse and utilize more than 50 million academic journal articles, e-books and research databases from our digital library, access to virtual labs, webinars and curated course materials, as well as AI-powered learning resources, academic guidance and support from the university through tutors and advisors. Additional resources are also provided to students in the form of writing centers, research assistance, cross-disciplinary resources and support to further the student’s understanding of sociocultural concepts during their studies while developing strong analytical and academic skills throughout their academic experience.
Virtual Campus
Complete assignments online or offline at your convenience with 24/7 access to distance learning through AIU’s Virtual Campus. Step by Step guides including videos, tutorials, live webinars and examples for each course. All materials can be access on all web browsers as well as via AIU's Mobile App which brings all the features of the Virtual Camus to your Mobile Device.
My AIU Elements
MyAIU’s primary goal is to go beyond Academics, it looks to guide students through 11 elements that are key to living life optimally in all aspects. By identifying and reflecting on these key areas, an opportunity arises to holistically address them, through positive change, habits, reinforcement and tools to keep students on their chosen path.
AIU TV & Radio
The students have the opportunity to produce, edit and host their own show reaching a worldwide audience, the AIU community and giving notice of their expertise/passion in the subject. AIUTV & AIU Radio allow students to explore new ways to communicate, develop a platform and form potential collaboration with likeminded individuals.
AIU Campus Mundi
AIU Campus Mundi is a monthly magazine that gathers the most notable news and information about the university and its members in one convenient place. The magazine allows our community to be well informed, involved and keep in tough regardless of their geographic location. AIU Campus Mundi publishes, news, research, events, awards, academic achievements.
Graduation Ceremony
Each year AIU organizes graduation ceremonies where the students can assist and share their experiences with fellow students and academic members Participation in the ceremony is optional, the day’s events include conferences, research presentations, group meetings, networking, lunch and formal dinner.
Symposiums & Webinars
The master in sociocultural anthropology consists of a Major Project, Research Publications, and Co-Publishment as major areas of study in order to prepare abroad online international graduates to enhance their critical thinking skills as global citizens contributing positively to the world. Students will be expected to create Specialized Projects that explore the interaction between cultural dynamics, social structure.
Live Classes
Students enrolled in the Master in Sociocultural Anthropology program through Atlantic International University have at minimum two (possibly more) opportunities to attend/participate in live classes each day. This gives all participants an excellent means of interacting with each other and their instructors in real time through a live-learning experience. All of the participants in the course will have access to the instructors who are experts in their field, and they will be conducting live classes each day on cultural theory, research methodologies, and global and social issues.
The classroom experience allows students to participate in a variety of ways including lectures, discussions, Q & A sessions, group projects, and so on; all while maintaining an active connection to each other and their instructors while participating in remote learning. By providing the students with such a high degree of live instructional experience, the program enables the students to understand the course material more fully, develop their global perspectives and be more engaged with the growing academic community.
Special Projects, Research Publications, & Co-Authoring
Students pursuing the Master in Sociocultural Anthropology have a unique way to enhance their academic exploration through the adoption of special projects, research publications, and co-authoring. The completion of these projects provides students with opportunities to become involved with ethnographic analysis of communities and cultures, as well as comprehensive studies of communities through the lens of real-world social issues (e.g., identity, migration, inequality, globalization). Students are encouraged to produce research that can be published, demonstrates original thinking and critical analysis, and can be submitted to journals, presented at conferences, or displayed in academic venues. Through co-authoring opportunities with jobs after sociocultural faculty members, fellow students, and experts in the field, students have unlimited opportunities to work together, investigate new areas beyond those traditionally explored, and grow as professionals in order to contribute positively to anthropology degree online research and policy development as well as to the global dialogue about culture and society.
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Career Center for Master in Sociocultural Anthropology
At AIU, Career Center – Sociocultural Anthropology program provides academic knowledge and help transition it to a career. This centre assists anthropology degree students with many services including personal career counselling, resume and portfolio assistance, interview preparation, and provides networking opportunities that are specific to employment related to anthropology disciplines. Students can pursue many different types of career paths including: research, cultural consulting, non-government organizations (NGOs), public policy, education, or international development. The anthropology degree Career Center assists students through the provision of mentoring, tools for building skills, and connection with global opportunities to equip graduates with the ability to utilize their sociocultural knowledge in the professional world and contribute to meaningful and socially responsible careers.
Job Description
Graduates of the Master in Sociocultural Anthropology can work in many impactful and interdisciplinary jobs throughout the world. They can choose from some professional areas such as Cultural Anthropologist, Social Scientist, Ethnographer, Community Development Specialist, NGO Program Manager, Policy Analyst, Diversity/Inclusive Consultant, Museum Curator or Heritage Manager, and Academic Researcher. Other possibilities for graduates are found in international organizations, public health fields, market research companies, and humanitarian organizations where cultural knowledge is essential to their success. The career opportunities program builds students’ analytical/redirection skills, research, and cross-cultural communication skills so graduates can think critically about complex social issues and positively affect their community and organization globally.
Tools for Master in Sociocultural Anthropology
Graduates of the Master of Sociology and Cultural Anthropology program develop interdisciplinary, internationally relevant specialties to have many career choices. Graduates are grounded in how to conduct cultural analysis within a variety of fields, conduct research, develop and test theories about human behavior, cultural diversity, and the relationships between people and society, and apply these theories to solve problems by gaining practical experience while on the job.
Graduate students pursue positions in a variety of sectors, including research and development, healthcare, policy, global and public affairs, international development, academics, business areas, etc; these careers allow professional anthropologists and sociologists to apply their knowledge about the behavior of humans, the cultural differences between all humans, and the systems through which society functions to provide solutions to real problems and make a positive impact.
- NVivo – https://www.qsrinternational.com/nvivo-qualitative-data-analysis-software/home
- ATLAS.ti – https://atlasti.com
- MAXQDA – https://www.maxqda.com
- Dedoose – https://www.dedoose.com
- Zotero – https://www.zotero.org
- Mendeley – https://www.mendeley.com
- EndNote – https://endnote.com
- SPSS – https://www.ibm.com/spss
- R – https://www.r-project.org
- Tableau – https://www.tableau.com
- ArcGIS – https://www.esri.com/en-us/arcgis/about-arcgis/overview
Associations for Master in Sociocultural Anthropology Professionals
Students and graduates coming from the Master in Sociocultural Anthropology program are urged to get involved in established organizations that promote academic growth as well as professional networking and collaboration worldwide through their activities. Many of these organizations provide various ways for members to be involved through participation at conferences, publications, research funding, etc., as well as providing opportunities to develop their professional abilities while also providing members with ongoing access to the latest information and developments in the field. Participating actively in these associations adds to one’s credibility as a professional, enhances career development opportunities, and promotes the continued growth of one’s knowledge within a variety of cultural and research settings.
- American Anthropological Association – https://www.americananthro.org
- Royal Anthropological Institute – https://www.therai.org.uk
- Society for Applied Anthropology – https://www.sfaa.net
- European Association of Social Anthropologists – https://www.easaonline.org
- World Council of Anthropological Associations – https://www.wcaanet.org
- International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences – https://www.iuaes.org
- Society for Cultural Anthropology – https://culanth.org
- Association of Social Anthropologists of the UK and Commonwealth – https://www.theasa.org
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Master in Sociocultural Anthropology Admission Requirements
To become eligible for admission to a Master of Science in Sociocultural Anthropology, applicants are expected to have an acceptable Bachelor’s Degree in the field of anthropology or another closely related field such as sociology, social science and humanities. Students must typically show evidence of strong academic achievement through their education, particularly in the area of research methods and critical thought analysis. The general steps to study sociocultural anthropology online and apply for graduate programs include submitting transcripts from undergraduate institutions, a letter of intent or purpose stating how one’s educational pursuits relate to future career goals, and letters of recommendation. Some programs may also ask students to submit a sample of their writing that demonstrates one’s analytical and research skills. In addition to meeting the above requirements, applicants wanting to study in the United States may require evidence that they are proficient in the English language. In general, these admission requirements will ensure that students have the foundation necessary for success in a graduate level program related to the field.
How Can You Apply?
In order to apply for a Masters in Sociocultural Anthropology, there is a strictly defined pathway which evaluates the applicant’s qualifications and ability to perform research. The applicant will begin by researching programs to see if the degree is compatible with their interests and future plans; after this, they will assemble all the necessary materials and documentation including: transcripts, purpose statement (a description of their intended career), reference letters, and CV. After the materials are collected, the applicant will fill out and submit an online application form with supporting documents including evidence of proficiency in the English language if required by the program. Some programs may also require an interview prior to acceptance that evaluates the applicant’s level of motivation and ability to succeed. When an applicant has been accepted into the program, they will receive an offer of admission; upon receipt of the offer, the applicant must accept it by completing enrollment requirements and reserving a space in the program.
Financial Support & Scholarships
Scholarships and grants offered by the program aim to provide quality educational opportunities for a global audience and help all participants access a good education, regardless of where they live or their financial situation. To help students avoid stress related to financing their education, students are given the option of flexible tuition payment options to allow for financial management while pursuing a degree. A number of scholarships and grants can be obtained using merit based upon your professional background or personal situation; therefore there are many options available to ensure that motivated students are not limited to obtaining a quality degree due to their finances. The University is also committed to providing equal educational opportunities for all students through customized support mechanisms to ensure that students from different parts of the world and from varying income levels can successfully complete their degree.
What’s the Cost Per Year for Pursuing a Masters in Sociocultural Anthropology at AIU?
Affordable and financially accessible, the plan provides flexible payment options for tuition fees by allowing students to pay gradually during the course of a respective program across several months to alleviate the burden of finances on adult students and working professionals while maintaining their regular commitments.
FAQs
What is a Master in Sociocultural Anthropology?
A Master in Sociocultural Anthropology is a graduate degree that investigates how humans behave using culture as a lens on society/community dynamics. By doing so, students will learn more about the way humans live and interact with one another, as well as how they create and develop their societies in different cultural contexts.
What can you do with a Master’s in Sociocultural Anthropology?
Using a Master’s Degree in Sociocultural Anthropology, you can work as a researcher or cultural analyst, or assume roles like a social worker, policy advisor, NGO staff member, or educator, applying knowledge from your studies to develop solutions for social, developmental and global problems through research and cultural analysis.
Is an online Master in Sociocultural Anthropology worth it?
Yes, it’s definitely worth it.
How long does it take to complete a Master in Sociocultural Anthropology?
2 years.
