PhD in Anthropology
Our PhD program focuses on three subfields: archaeology, biological anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology. We prepare students for a position as a college or university-level researcher and/or teacher, or for an advanced non-academic research position.
A master’s degree is not required for admission, and students with a bachelor’s or master’s degree are welcome to apply.
Are we the right PhD program for you?
The program you choose should have faculty with expertise in the area (both theoretical and geographical) in which you intend to concentrate. One way to assess your match with our department is to read through our faculty profiles or by looking through the research specialties and themes that our program emphasizes.
Additionally, since the PhD requires a minor field of study we encourage you to explore faculty research areas and topics in other related departments at the University.
Tracks
Sociocultural Anthropology
Students are expected to take two core seminars in anthropological theory. In addition, students are expected to become familiar with a range of topics within sociocultural anthropology. This can be fulfilled by taking at least two graduate-level seminars on topics outside your area of specialization.
Students are also required to take the core methods seminar that covers topics such as fieldwork techniques, conceptualizing research, research proposal writing, and ethics in sociocultural anthropology. The core theory seminars and the methods seminar are taught in alternate years. Students may also conduct independent study or directed reading courses with individual faculty.
Please see the list of current and regularly taught graduate seminars in anthropology as well as the faculty research and regional specializations.
For more information about this program, see our graduate student handbook.
Biological Anthropology
In our biological anthropology program we offer training and research opportunities in two main areas: paleoanthropology and behavioral biology. We prepare students for academic positions as researchers and teachers, and also for advanced, non-academic research positions in the public and private sectors. The behavioral ecology specialty involves the study of the behavior and ecology of living primate species, including humans, through field studies and the analysis of long-term data.
Please see the list of current and regularly taught graduate seminars in anthropology as well as the faculty research and regional specializations.
For more information about this program, see our graduate student handbook.
Archaeology
The program in archaeology offers training and research opportunities in the use of anthropological theories and interpretive strategies in the reconstruction of historic and prehistoric pasts based on material culture, the application of faunal and lithic analysis to questions in paleoecology and evolutionary theory, and the application of archaeological science to the reconstruction of site formation.
Please see the list of current and regularly taught graduate seminars in anthropology as well as the faculty research and regional specializations.
For more information about this program, see our graduate student handbook.
College Resources for Graduate Students
Visit CLA’s website for graduate students to learn about collegiate funding opportunities, student support, career services, and more.