Public Issues Anthropology MA
Where Research Meets Real-World Challenges
Are you driven to understand the pressing issues that shape our world today? Whether it's social inequality, environmental change, or cultural preservation, the need for thoughtful, informed perspectives has never been greater.
The Master of Arts in Public Issues Anthropology (PIA) is a vibrant and interdisciplinary program that empowers students to explore the human dimensions of contemporary issues. Through a rich blend of theory, research methods, and hands-on experience, the program prepares graduates to critically analyze and engage with the complex realities facing communities, institutions, and societies.
As a PIA graduate, you'll be equipped to apply anthropological insights in diverse professional settings. Whether your interests lie in shaping public policy, advancing social justice, supporting cultural heritage, or responding to global environmental shifts, this program offers the tools and training to turn your passion into purposeful action.
- Experiential Learning
- Engage in immersive fieldwork and community partnership projects that prepare you for diverse careers in research, policy, advocacy, education, and community development.
- Tailored Curriculum
- Core courses build strong competencies in ethnographic methods, critical analysis, and public engagement. Flexible electives let you customize your studies to your interests and career goals.
- Inclusive & Ethical Practice
- Explore collaborative, community-led research protocols and critically engage with Indigenous ways of knowing alongside Western scientific knowledge.
Program Format and Courses
Our graduate program in Public Issues Anthropology offers two pathways to fit your goals and is delivered in-person at the University of Guelph's main campus.
Get practical, hands-on training through an intensive fieldwork capstone project with community partners like the Toronto Zoo.*
In the course-based stream, you'll complete these courses over 12 months, starting in September:
- Public Issues Anthropology
- Anthropological Theory
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Intensive Fieldwork: Community-Partner Research in Public Issues Anthropology
- 3 elective courses
*The capstone course is currently undergoing internal governance approval.
Conduct independent, original research that advances anthropological scholarship and public understanding.
In the thesis stream, you'll complete these components over 16-24 months, starting in September:
- Public Issues Anthropology
- Anthropological Theory
- Research Methods
- Professional Seminar
- Thesis
- An elective course
Meet the Faculty
As a public anthropologist, I leverage conservation biogeography, spatial ecology, and One Health approaches to understand how lemurs respond to human caused disturbance. I am also interested in how humans are impacted by applied conservation measures targeting lemurs and their habitat.
With a background in International Development and Rural Studies, my research explores the development of more sustainable food systems with a particular focus on agroecology initiatives in both Canada and Latin America.
Optional Specializations to Take Your Learning Further
International Development Studies
The specialization in International Development Studies prepares changemakers to address global challenges related to sustainable development. International Development is ideal for students interested in global issues such as inequality, migration, human rights, climate justice, global health, education, food sovereignty, and Indigenous and community-led development.
One Health
The specialization in One Health prepares future leaders for the interconnected challenges at the confluence of human, animal, and environmental health. One Health is ideal for students interested in complex health issues, such as climate change, environmental degradation, emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and security, and health inequalities.
A Modern Approach to Anthropology
The Public Issues Anthropology program is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that values diverse perspectives and upholds principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. The program welcomes students from all backgrounds and encourages participation from mid-career professionals and applicants with varied experiences.
In the PIA program, you'll engage with Indigenous epistemologies, ethical research practices, and content that addresses systemic inequities and social justice issues. Our courses encourage you to critically examine the power dynamics involved in research and community engagement, fostering an ethic of reflexivity and cultural humility essential for ethical anthropological practice.
Meet Our Graduates
Gabby's master's research focused on social constructions of jaguars in Ecuador's Amazonia. After graduating, Gabby was hired as a Research Manager at Gakino'amaage: Teach For Canada, where she conducts community-based research with rural and remote First Nations schools in Canada, which supports First Nations control of First Nations education.
James's PIA research examined local impacts of the single-use plastics ban in Vanuatu, highlighting how policy change unfolds within post-colonial power relations, shaping livelihoods, environmental governance, and cultural values. As a current PhD candidate in Geography, he is exploring how waste discards shape circular economy value chains in São Paulo, Brazil.
Where Can Public Issues Anthropology Take You?
While completing the program's foundational courses and experiential learning opportunities, you'll be developing strong skills in:
- Conducting independent and applied research
- Synthesizing multiple perspectives
- Communicating effectively with academic and non-academic audiences
- Contributing to evidence-based, socially responsible decision-making
This flexible and interdisciplinary program prepares you for diverse professional careers in research, policy, advocacy, education, and community development, as well as for advanced academic study in anthropology and related fields.
Guaranteed Admission Pathway for U of G Students
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is proud to offer guaranteed admission to eligible University of Guelph students.
This pathway reserves spots in the Public Issues Anthropology program for students who have graduated from one of the following Bachelor of Arts majors with a minimum 80% average in the last two years of study:
- Anthropology (major or minor)
- International Development Studies
If you meet the guaranteed admission criteria:
- The application fee will be reimbursed after you start the program
- You do not need to include references or a research statement in your application
Apply for the Guaranteed Admission Pathway by December 18, 2025.
For thesis stream students only: you must identify a faculty member who has agreed to supervise your project when you complete the form to confirm your eligibility.
Applying to Public Issues Anthropology
Admission to PIA is competitive. We consider applicants who meet the following minimum requirements:
- A four-year honours bachelor's degree, with:
- A minimum B+ average (77-79%) in the last two years of study
- At least 5 anthropology courses, including studies in both biological and social/cultural anthropology
Note:
- Applicants with an undergraduate major in anthropology are preferred.
- Applicants are expected to have secured a faculty advisor before applying to the thesis stream of the program.
- Requirements may be in progress at the time of application but must be completed by April 30 of the entrance year.
Visit the Student Financial Services website for full details on domestic and international tuition per semester.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for external scholarships in the fall of the year before entering the program. External award opportunities include, but are not limited to:
Applicants can also browse scholarships available to graduate students in the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences.
Learn more about funding your graduate studies.
Get in Touch
Questions about the graduate program in Public Issues Anthropology? Contact:
Renée Tavascia
Graduate Program Assistant
Department of Sociology & Anthropology
Email: soangrad@uoguelph.ca