Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Anthropology and Law
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Anthropology and Law at UB is a specialized 30-credit master's degree program. It is jointly offered by the Department of Anthropology (21 credits) and the School of Law (9 credits), with Anthropology serving as the degree-granting department. The program is flexible, allowing for both full-time and part-time study. It is particularly attractive to students with backgrounds in Legal Studies, Anthropology, or those who are exploring the possibility of pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree in the future. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and prepares graduates to apply their knowledge and skills in various professional settings where the understanding of legal and cultural dynamics is crucial.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Anthropology and Law is structured around a combination of required core courses, anthropology electives, and law electives, culminating in a master's project. Required core courses include "APY 654: Graduate Survey of Social Anthropology II," "APY 655: Graduate Survey of Social Anthropology I," and "APY 625: Law, Culture and Society." Students then select 1-6 credits of anthropology electives, which may include courses like "Qualitative Research Methods," "Kinship and Social Structure," "Language, Culture and Power," or "Cultural Heritage - Perspectives from Sociocultural Anthropology." For the law component, students take 9 credits of law electives from a range of relevant courses such as "Property," "Administrative Law," "Indigenous Law and Culture," or "Climate Change and the Law - Interdisciplinary Explorations." The program culminates in an "MA Project," a final culminating paper approved by a two-member committee comprising faculty from both Anthropology and Law.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Anthropology and Law program at UB is deeply rooted in advancing knowledge of the interconnections between anthropology and law through rigorous research. Faculty and student research often focuses on the broad area of legal humanities, exploring historical, theoretical, and ethnographic dimensions of law in various cultural contexts. This includes examining issues like legal pluralism, human rights, indigenous law, cultural heritage, and the social impact of legal systems. The required MA Project allows students to conduct independent research on a topic at the nexus of anthropology and law, demonstrating their capacity for original scholarly contribution. The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages research that bridges theoretical frameworks with empirical ethnographic study.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in Anthropology and Law is an academic program focused on advanced knowledge, its interdisciplinary nature provides graduates with highly sought-after skills for various professional fields. The program prepares practitioners who can apply their knowledge of legal and cultural interconnections. Graduates develop strong analytical, research, and cross-cultural communication skills, which are valuable in sectors such as public policy, international development, human rights advocacy, mediation, and cultural resource management. Although direct "industry engagement" might not be as formalized as in professional degrees, the program's emphasis on practical application of theoretical knowledge positions students for impactful roles in organizations that deal with diverse populations and complex legal-cultural issues.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Anthropology and Law inherently fosters a global perspective by examining human thought, behavior, and social activity across cultures, with a specific focus on the interconnections of anthropology and law. Anthropology, by its very nature, is a global discipline, and the program's exploration of "Law, Culture and Society" implicitly engages with diverse legal traditions and cultural norms worldwide. Law electives, such as "Palestine-Israel - Settler Colonialism and Environmental Justice" and "Indigenous Law and Culture," explicitly address global issues and non-Western legal systems. This emphasis prepares graduates to work in an increasingly interconnected world, where understanding diverse cultural perspectives on law and justice is crucial for effective engagement in international organizations, humanitarian efforts, and cross-cultural policy development.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Anthropology and Law from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) provides a unique interdisciplinary foundation, blending rigorous anthropological methods with an understanding of legal frameworks. This specialized degree equips graduates with the critical skills to analyze complex social and legal issues from a cross-cultural perspective, making them well-suited for roles that require a nuanced understanding of human behavior, cultural contexts, and legal systems.
Human Rights Advocate/Worker: Graduates can work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international bodies, or advocacy groups, focusing on human rights issues. Their anthropological understanding of diverse cultures and legal knowledge allows them to effectively research, document, and advocate against human rights abuses, often in cross-cultural or international contexts.
Cultural Resource Manager (CRM): This role involves identifying, evaluating, and managing cultural heritage resources, often in compliance with legal regulations (e.g., historic preservation laws). Graduates work for government agencies, private consulting firms, or non-profits, ensuring that development projects consider and protect archaeological sites, historic buildings, and cultural landscapes.
Policy Analyst (Social Justice/Legal Reform): With their ability to critically analyze legal systems within social contexts, graduates can work as policy analysts for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations. They research societal problems, evaluate existing policies, and propose legal reforms that address issues like inequality, cultural rights, or criminal justice.
Mediator/Conflict Resolution Specialist: The M.A. program's emphasis on understanding diverse perspectives and social dynamics is highly beneficial for roles in mediation and conflict resolution. Graduates can work in community mediation centers, corporate settings, or international organizations, helping parties navigate disputes by understanding underlying cultural and legal differences.
Legal Research Assistant/Paralegal (Specialized): While not a direct path to practicing law, the program provides strong legal research skills that are valuable in legal settings. Graduates can work as specialized paralegals or legal research assistants for law firms, government legal departments, or corporate legal teams, particularly those dealing with international law, human rights, or indigenous law.
International Development Specialist: Graduates can contribute to international development projects for NGOs, international organizations, or government agencies. Their understanding of cultural nuances and legal frameworks is crucial for designing and implementing effective development programs that respect local customs and legal structures in diverse global contexts.
Ethical Compliance Officer: In an increasingly globalized business environment, companies need professionals who can navigate complex ethical and legal landscapes across different cultures. Graduates can work in corporate compliance departments, ensuring that business practices adhere to ethical standards and legal regulations, with a sensitivity to cultural considerations.
Social Science Researcher/Consultant: Graduates can pursue research roles in academic institutions, private research firms, or public agencies, conducting studies that explore the intersection of law, culture, and society. They may also work as consultants, providing expert analysis on social impact, legal issues, or cultural dynamics for various organizations.
Indigenous Rights Advocate: With a focus on indigenous law and cultural issues, graduates are well-prepared to work with indigenous communities, tribal governments, or advocacy groups. They can help advance indigenous rights, support land claims, protect cultural heritage, and promote self-determination within existing legal frameworks.
Cultural Sensitivity Trainer/Consultant: Businesses, government agencies, and non-profits increasingly require training on cultural sensitivity and diversity. Graduates can leverage their anthropological expertise to develop and deliver training programs that help organizations navigate cross-cultural interactions and comply with anti-discrimination laws.
