What do anthropology graduates do?
The Department of Anthropology offers a unique experience for those who want to make a difference in the social sciences at Ozyegin University’s modern campus surrounded by nature. Anthropology is not just about exploring human cultures; it equips you with a rich learning process that ranges from theoretical knowledge to fieldwork, from data analysis to cultural ethnography. So what can you do with this hardware?
What happens when you study anthropology for 4 years?
A graduate from this department can actually work as a strategist who thinks about the “human dimension of everything”. Graduates are employed in many sectors from UX research to social media analysis, cultural heritage projects to brand consultancy.
What surprised me when I first heard about it was this: An anthropologist can work in a marketing agency or a technology company. Because what is needed there is to understand people and to be able to analyze this data correctly.
In which sectors can you find a job?
Here are some areas where Özyeğin University Anthropology Department graduates can work:
| Field | Positions / Case Studies |
|---|---|
| User Experience (UX) | User Researcher, Interaction Analyst |
| New Media & Digital Ethnography | Content Strategist, Data Semanticist |
| Marketing & Brand Consultancy | Consumer Insight Specialist, Advertising Analyst |
| Cultural Heritage & Museology | Project Manager, Research Specialist |
| Social Projects & NGOs | Gender Specialist, Field Worker |
| Academia & Research Institutes | Social Sciences Specialist, Field Researcher |
In other words, this section answers not only the question “what do I do” but also “in which field can I make a difference”.
Why is Ozyegin University Anthropology Department Different?
Founded in 2024, Özyeğin University’s Anthropology Program goes beyond the classical social science approach. The strongest aspect of the program is its interdisciplinary approach. In other words, you are facing a curriculum that blends not only anthropology, but also sociology, history, psychology and even technology.
Özyeğin University Faculty of Social Sciences is at the center of this innovative structure.
The Theory-Practice Balance with Applied Education and Internship
Students do compulsory internships from the third grade onwards. This means encountering a real problem in the field and experiencing how to create solutions. This is what I felt the most lacking when I was at university: Hands-on learning. OzU more than fills this gap.
The program also includes high-level conceptual courses as well as contemporary topics such as Business Anthropology, Market Ethnography and Gender. This makes graduates “ready” individuals not only in academia but also in the business world.
Interdisciplinary Course Structure
Some interesting courses that can be taken in the program include:
| Course Title | Content |
|---|---|
| Anthropology of Work | Corporate culture, workplace dynamics, and ethnography |
| Sociology of Science and Technology | Digitalization and social change |
| Market Ethnography | Analysis of consumer behavior |
| Historical Heritage and Cultural Identity | Heritage policies, local history, and memory |
You also have the chance to specialize in other areas of interest with double major and minor opportunities.
Academic Staff and Research Projects
One of the strongest sources of self-improvement as a student is the academic staff. Özyeğin University has a serious vision in this regard. The professors are strong in both theory and practice; they actively carry out projects and involve students in these processes.
Details about the department’s current projects can be found on the Özyeğin University page.
National and International Supported Projects
Many TUBITAK and Horizon Europe funded projects are being implemented between 2024-2026. For example:
- Sociological analysis study on “Women in STEM”
- ILO-supported research on gender-based violence at work
- International scholarship programs from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
These are projects where you can step into the world of research even before you graduate.
In which fields do students participate in studies?
Students can assist in these projects, take part in data collection processes or learn critical steps such as literature review, analysis and reporting. This experience is written on the CV as a story, not just a line.
Tuition Fee and Scholarship Opportunities for International Students
If you want to study anthropology in Turkey as an international student, Özyeğin University offers a system that will not burden you financially but will provide you with a quality education. Tuition fees are set in American dollars (USD) and scholarship opportunities are really extensive.
2025-2026 Education Fees and Payment Plan
In the table below, you can see the full-fee and 50% scholarship payment plans:
| Scholarship Rate | Total Annual Fee | Payment Upfront |
|---|---|---|
| 0% (Full Fee) | $22,000 | $1,000 |
| 50% Scholarship | $11,000 | $1,000 |
In addition, 45%, 40% and even 35% scholarships are also offered. These scholarships are automatically evaluated based on academic achievement, timeliness of application and interview performance. You do not need to make an extra application.
How to Get Merit-Based Scholarships
Faculty members examine your application documents and academic history in detail. If you are successful, you will receive your acceptance letter and find out if you have been awarded a scholarship.
This system is transparent and easy. So if you prepare a good application, you can get a serious cost advantage.
Ozyegin University Campus Life and Istanbul Experience
Studying in Istanbul is a great experience in itself. Özyeğin University has a lush campus in Çekmeköy. With modern libraries, digital labs and a plethora of student clubs, there is a full academic and social environment.
Student Clubs and Social Activities
From culture and arts clubs to gender awareness groups, from entrepreneurship societies to sports clubs, you have many options. Especially the students of the Faculty of Social Sciences are very active in these activities.
Living in Istanbul: Cultural Richness and Transportation
Istanbul is breathtaking in terms of both history and culture. You can take a walk on the Bosphorus one weekend and do fieldwork in Balat the next day. Transportation is easy and access to the campus via university shuttles is quite convenient.
You don’t have to limit your university life to the campus. Museums, exhibitions, festivals, coffee workshops… Istanbul is a really full city to be a student.
Start Anthropology Education Today, Shape the Future
If you want to understand cultural differences, find solutions to social problems and take strong career steps by analyzing the human experience, Özyeğin University Anthropology Department is for you.
This department combines theory, practice and vision. It provides not only a diploma but also competence.
Think about it: Before graduating, you participated in field research, took part in an academic project and lived in a dynamic city like Istanbul. This trio makes you a sought-after professional, not an ordinary graduate.
Applying now means taking the first step not just to university, but to the future you’ve always dreamed of.