Course description
The M.A. program in anthropology provides students with the necessary theoretical and technical background for pursuing professional careers or continuing graduate studies at the doctoral level. Concentrated course work is offered in archaeology. The program emphasizes development of analytical and writing skills in all areas of course work.
Admission. Candidates for admission to the graduate program in anthropology must either hold a bachelor’s degree in anthropology or archaeology or hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject with significant course work in anthropology or another social science. Candidates without this background may apply to receive conditional admission to the graduate program. Applicants for admission should have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Applicants with GPAs of less than 3.0 may be admitted on probation at the discretion of the faculty. Applicants must submit scores from the General Tests of the Graduate Record Examination.
General Requirements. For students who write MA theses, the program entails 30 credit hours, including six credit hours of thesis work. The non-thesis option entails 36 credit hours of course work. Candidates who select this option must complete the specified 24 credit hours of course work plus an additional 12 credit hours of classes selected in consultation with the graduate advisor.
There is no formal language requirement for the M.A. degree. Students, however, will consult with their advisors regarding the development of pertinent linguistic and/or computer skills necessary for thesis research and analysis. Students are reminded that most Ph.D. programs and many research positions require proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
Thirty credit hours required (including 6 credit hours thesis) for thesis option; no more than 12 of these hours may be taken at the 6000 level. (Students pursuing this option are required to present a thesis proposal, approved by a faculty member, to the graduate advisor). Thirty-six credit hours for non-thesis option; no more than 15 of these hours may be taken at the 6000 level.
Archeology Track
Required Courses Credit Hours
Core 6
Methods 9
Topical & Regional* 9
Tutorials/Independent Research*
Thesis** 6
Total Required Hours 30
*With consent of advisor, tutorials may be taken in lieu of topical and regional courses.
**Thesis is expected to involve field and/or laboratory research.
