The Graduate Certificate in Practicing Anthropology


A Program that recognizes and honors social and cultural diversity. For improvements in health, social welfare, enterprise and community and international development.




Who is this program for? The program is an 18 credit course of study that is designed to be completed in a year and is suitable for those wanting to learn new skills or to launch a new career. The certificate is for those who want to add value to their degree programs, using certificate program credits for another graduate program. As well, the program is for those who know the importance of incorporating the often unheard voice of the the individual or voices of entire communities; those working within culturally diverse organizations; those who want to make a difference.

What is Practicing Anthropology? This is the application of skills and techniques of research and development in a fashion that is consistent with the needs and realities of all people concerned; in other words with openness to the multicultural nature of our lives, communities, and places of work.

Why should I pursue the certificate? The certificate enables participants to acquire skills for research, management, and program development. In addition, it allows you to build on the contributions you can make by tailoring learning to your needs and the work you do.

What are the skills to be learned? The skills that participants in the Certificate Program develop include the bases of:
  • Needs Assessments
  • Social Impact assessments
  • Qualitative research, including focus groups
  • Formative, process, and evaluation research
  • Leadership and planning informed by community participation and coalitions
  • Making professional presentations
  • Preparing responsible and clear documentation
  • Overall knowledge of basic literature of Anthropology and the practice of Anthropology in the work environment
  • Strategies of international development

Students choose from two specialty tracks:
  • Medical Anthropology - for careers in health and mental health, clinical services, and health prevention, promotion, and education
  • Families and Communities - for careers in business, social service, communities and urban development, criminal justice, and international development
There are two more tracks under development:
  • Environment and Public Policy
  • Public Archaeology

Where will the certificate take me? The certificate is a credential that enhances your practical skills and your ability to market yourself in today's world. It gives students practical skills in applied anthropology and, once completed, the certificate coursework can be applied toward the first half of the requirements for a Masters in Applied Anthropology at the University of Houston. You may also be able to apply the work completed in the Certificate Program toward another degree program.

How may the Houston community participate? What is the relation between the certificate program and career development? The program looks toward collaboration with corporations, community based programs, non-governmental organizations, government services, and health organizations in the following ways:

  • Organizations may sponsor their employees to participate in the program though tuition assistance
  • Organizations may provide placement for students doing practicums
  • Faculty and students in training are ready to provide consultation to organizations
  • A network of organizations may serve as prospects for employment for graduates of the program

For more information or an application:

e-mail: appantce@mail.uh.edu

phone: (713) 743-3762

Or write to:
Graduate Certificate Program in Practicing Anthropology
Department of Anthropology
University of Houston
Houston, TX 77204-5020