Anthropology, M.A.

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M.A. students receive training in the four subfields of anthropology, complete original research, and develop skills which foster professionalism as related to their chosen field.

Plan A (Thesis)

Any M.A. student receiving a grade of C or less in two core classes will be expelled from the program.

If not completed prior to admission; two semesters of a single foreign language and one statistics course must be completed.

Core-Course Sequence

Completion, with a grade of “B” or better of a four core-course sequence. This sequence will consist of

ANTH 5010 - 20th Century Anthropology Theory Credits: 3
ANTH 5015 - Archaeological Theory and Method Credits: 3
ANTH 5020 - Biological Anthropology Credits: 3
ANTH 5030 - Linguistic Anthropology Credits: 3

First semester (Fall):

Students will submit form to the graduate advisor and department head identifying their thesis advisor BEFORE the graduate assistant allocation meeting (mid-late November).

Second semester (Spring):

Students will work with their advisor to select their committee, which must be formed and on-file in the department office by the end of the semester. During the core classes’ final exam periods, students give a presentation to departmental faculty which outlines the general ideas for their proposed thesis.

Second semester research presentations are assessed by all department faculty in attendance at the presentation and evaluations will be given to the student’s advisors. It is expected that students will work closely with their advisors to rectify any problems before they complete their thesis prospectus in the third semester.

Third semester (Fall):

Working closely with their advisor and committee, students complete a detailed prospectus and gain approval from thesis committee for MA thesis topic.

Fourth semester (Spring):

Thesis is completed and is approved by thesis committee.

Plan B (Non-Thesis)

All requirements for a Plan A except thesis, if not completed prior to admission; two semesters of a single foreign language and one statistics course must be completed.