anthropology phd online

2024 Best Online PhD in Anthropology [Doctorate Guide]

Earning a PhD in Anthropology is a rewarding opportunity for any individual who has a deep interest in learning about and exploring different cultures and communities.

Anthropologists are often observant, using their research and data analysis skills to make discoveries about historical societies or solve problems related to areas like health or education.

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Completing an advanced degree demonstrates tenacity and a strong commitment to education. It can also help you advance your professional qualifications and opportunities.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Anthropology Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online, part-time, or in a hybrid format.

California Institute of Integral Studies

The California Institute of Integral Studies offers an online PhD in Anthropology program that aims to develop graduates who are activist-scholars ready to make a difference in the world. The program emphasizes global social movements and different theoretical perspectives. Students usually spend at least 3 years on coursework and must also complete a dissertation.

CIIS is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Social Studies Education. Courses are offered both on campus and online. The program is intended for students who have at least 2 years of experience with classroom teaching.

The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The New School

The New School offers a PhD in Anthropology. New students may begin every fall. Students must complete 30 credits of coursework beyond a 30 credit MA, for a total of 60 credits. They must also pass a qualifying exam and successfully defend a dissertation. The curriculum covers history, ethnography, foreign language study, and more.

The New School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services that can be earned online through its global campus. Courses are delivered in accelerated 6 or 9 week terms and taken just one course at a time. Students usually spend 3 years completing coursework and then spend a fourth year working on a dissertation.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

PhD in Anthropology Online Programs

As a whole, anthropology is the study of human culture and communities throughout history. The field of anthropology consists of four traditional subfields: social or cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.

Anthropology doctoral programs are typically open to candidates from a wide range of undergraduate- and graduate-level disciplines. While you can certainly hold a bachelors or masters degree in anthropology to be eligible for a PhD program, many schools also accept students with a background in geography, sociology, history, biology, or education.

Doctorate-level coursework in anthropology will vary by concentration, but course topics will typically include:

• Research design
• History of anthropological theory
• Archaeological data analysis
• Language in culture
• Archaeological writing
• Human origins

In addition to the required courses for your specific subdiscipline, most doctoral programs include a dissertation requirement. This is an opportunity for you to conduct research into an area of your choosing. Many programs also ask that you defend your work in front of a panel as the culminating piece of your studies.

A PhD in Anthropology can not only prepare you for applied professions in the subject area but can also be a way to establish a career in academia. Many graduates with a doctorate in anthropology go on to become:

• Research associates
• Market research analysts
• Anthropologists
• Archaeologists
• Postsecondary teachers
• Museum workers
• Sociologists

Because it’s an interdisciplinary field of study, a doctoral degree in anthropology is applicable to a diverse array of industries and professional positions.

Common Anthropology Doctorate Concentrations

There are many available concentrations offered between anthropological doctorate programs. Selecting a concentration can allow you to align your anthropology doctorate degree with your interests and career goals.

PhD Programs in Archaeology

A concentration in archaeology will provide the opportunity to study the material relics left behind by past communities and societies.

Through the examination of these artifacts, you can learn about the cultures and rituals of past peoples. Most programs also allow you to choose a specific time period on which to focus your research.

PhD Programs in Biological Anthropology

The subfield of biological anthropology examines the ways in which human behavior is impacted and shaped by biology. You’ll study and make comparisons between present day humans and their ancestors.

Graduates from this area of anthropology often find careers in primatology or paleoanthropology, but they may also work in education or crime scene analysis.

PhD Programs in Cultural Anthropology

Cultural anthropology PhD programs focus on studying diverse cultural communities around the globe. Students may explore how issues related to government policy and environmental change can impact individuals and their communities.

Cultural anthropologists can find work in a number of professional positions. For instance, they may become social service leaders or researchers.

PhD Programs in Linguistic Anthropology

The study of human language is at the center of a program in linguistic anthropology. You can learn to gather, analyze, and interpret data related to the ways in which humans use language in their day-to-day lives.

Changes to language over time and the way it influences human behavior will also be explored.

Anthropology Careers & Salaries

Anthropology is an interdisciplinary field, so you will likely receive training and education in each of the four subfields. You will also study significant work in other disciplines, such as history.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of a doctorate in anthropology, you may find yourself prepared for work in many industries. The professional opportunities that open up for you will also be influenced by the concentration you choose and the doctoral program you attend.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are some anthropological career paths and their accompanying median salaries.

Earning a PhD in Anthropology can be applicable in many industries, including academia, social sciences, and research and development. A PhD does not guarantee a specific professional position or salary, though.

The jobs available for an anthropologist may vary depending on your geographical location, chosen area of study, and previous work experience.

Anthropology Doctorate Curriculum & Courses

Doctoral courses in anthropology will differ based on your chosen university and selected area of study. Here are some examples, though, of common courses:

• Research Design : In this course, you’ll learn how to develop an original research project, studying topics like data management, research design, and proposals.
• History of Anthropological Theory : This course examines the discipline of anthropology through the political, social, and historical trends that have influenced prominent theories.
• Archaeological Data Analysis : You’ll learn how to analyze archaeological data, exploring topics such as descriptive and inferential statistics, excavation of material remains, and presentation of findings.
• Language in Culture : An examination of the connection between language and culture, this course takes an in-depth look at different cultural and linguistic systems.
• Archaeological Writing : This course is intended to teach the research and writing skills necessary to share findings and knowledge in the field of archaeology.
• Human Origins : Also known as paleoanthropology, this course focuses on the history of human development from a biological standpoint, including topics like evolution, scientific method, and primates.
• Archaeology of Political Systems : This course explores political systems throughout history, focusing on the ways in which different trends and beliefs transformed or created these systems.
• Social Organization : In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to study the different social organizations within communities, such as families, ethnic groups, political parties, and states.
• History of Disease : This course explores the ways in which disease has impacted human communities throughout history.
• Ethnographic Research : You’ll read different ethnographic texts and cover topics that are important in describing the history and cultures of different peoples, such as research ethics, narrative ethnography, and art-based ethnographic methods.

In addition to these courses, most PhD programs include a dissertation requirement. This is an opportunity for you to put your research and analysis skills into use as you delve into an anthropological topic of your choosing.

Admissions Requirements

Most colleges and universities require a small application fee in addition to a range of materials that demonstrate your academic prowess and personal accomplishments. You may be asked to submit:

• GRE or GMAT scores (only if required)
• Statement of purpose
• Resume or CV
• Letters of recommendation
• College transcripts

Many doctoral programs are also smaller than their undergraduate- and masters-level counterparts. As a result, admission to some doctoral programs can be more competitive. You can use your application as a way to emphasize the areas of research you are excited about and to highlight the professional work that supports your academic goals.

Anthropology PhD Programs Accreditation

Just as with earning a master’s in anthropology online , if you are hoping to receive financial aid, stand out to employers after graduation, or obtain a valid degree, it is necessary to enroll in an online PhD in Anthropology program at a regionally accredited school .

Colleges and universities can elect to undergo the accreditation review process. A team of internal and external members then assess the educational programs and student services offered. Using predetermined guidelines, team members ensure that everything from facilities to curriculum meet the national standards for quality.

Verifying the accreditation status of each prospective school can ensure that you attend an institution that’s equipped to help you reach your goals.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Finding the right financial aid program for your needs can help you attend the doctoral program of your choice. Completing the FAFSA allows you to see all the different federal financial aid opportunities you are eligible for. This aid generally comes in several forms, including grants, work-study programs, and student loans.

Eligibility for federal aid is determined by factors such as your level of financial need, citizenship status, and academic performance. In addition to federal aid, you can also apply for available scholarship opportunities. Each school offers their own unique scholarship programs to students who are currently enrolled.

Doctoral students may apply for fellowships or graduate assistantships as well. There are also scholarships offered by companies and organizations outside of specific colleges or universities.

What Can I Do with a PhD in Anthropology?

A PhD in Anthropology is often necessary for careers in research and academia. Equipped with data analysis skills, some graduates go on to become postsecondary teachers or researchers.

Other common career paths include sociologist, historian, and archaeologist. Some professionals in this field also work as social workers and epidemiologists. Regardless of the anthropology career that you choose to pursue, you may have the opportunity to contribute findings to the overall understanding of human culture and communities.

How Long Does a PhD in Anthropology Take Online?

A PhD generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on the number of credit hours required. How long it takes a student to complete their dissertation can also extend the timeline for degree completion by a significant amount.

Some doctorate programs do not have a dissertation requirement. If no dissertation is required, a doctoral program can generally be completed in 3 years with full-time study. External and personal factors, such as professional or familial obligations, can also impact the length of time it takes to complete a doctorate degree.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD in Anthropology?

While most doctoral anthropology programs require applicants to hold a master’s degree, there are always exceptions.

Some colleges and universities choose to accept students that demonstrate outstanding work and vision in their undergraduate studies. Your previous degree can generally be in any number of fields since anthropology encompasses many disciplines. For instance, applicants may have a degree in anthropology, history, education, or environmental science.

Criteria for admission does vary between schools, so it’s beneficial to check the specific guidelines for your schools of interest prior to applying.

Is a Ph.D. in Anthropology Worth It?

Yes, a Ph.D. in Anthropology is worth it for many professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many careers in the field of anthropology are growing at a rate that’s on pace with the national average. For instance, anthropologists and archaeologists are experiencing employment growth at a rate of 7% over the next ten years.

A doctorate program in anthropology also provides ample flexibility, allowing you to select a subdiscipline of interest. This can help you remain engaged as you conduct the research for your dissertation, and it can help prepare you for specialized job opportunities in the future.

Getting Your PhD in Anthropology Online

A doctorate in anthropology degree program can help you develop your research, data analysis, and communication skills.

Not only can you become an expert in a topic of your choosing, but you can also strengthen your understanding of human diversity. This knowledge can help you be an effective leader and team member in any industry. You can start exploring accredited universities today to find the online anthropology PhD program that best aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Also, when choosing your anthropology degree online program, considering which subfields of anthropology interest you the most can help you narrow down your potential schools.

Anthropology

Share this page, fall 2024 admissions update.

Admissions to the PhD in social anthropology and the AM in medical anthropology have been paused and will not be accepting applications for fall 2024. The PhD in archaeology will be accepting applications.

The Department of Anthropology is one of the world’s leading institutions for anthropological research. Our PhD programs provide in-depth conceptual and methodological training in archaeology and social anthropology , with faculty whose work covers every time period—from the Paleolithic to the present—and every major world area. The department also offers an AM in medical anthropology .

You will have the unique opportunity to work with a world-renowned faculty that has a long tradition of foundational research across nearly every continent. You will have access to a wide range of resources including the Harvard Medical School, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, various area centers such as the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, Korea Institute, Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, Asia Center, and Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. You will also have access to extensive archaeological and anthropological collections of the Peabody Museum, an important resource for both research and teaching.

Projects that students have worked on include “Archaeology of the 19th and 20th Century Chinese Labor Migrants,” “Zooarchaeology in Ancient Mesopotamia,” and “Mass Media in Indonesia.” Our PhD graduates are now on the anthropology faculties at some of the top universities in the world. Others have secured positions with Facebook, the World Bank, and various museums.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Anthropology , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

Archaeology (PhD only) | Medical Anthropology (AM only) | Social Anthropology (PhD only)

Admissions Requirements

Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Anthropology .

Academic Background

Previous concentration in anthropology is not required; however, applicants must be able to clearly state their interests in anthropology and demonstrate familiarity with intellectual issues in current anthropological theory and method.

Writing Sample

For PhD applicants, a writing sample is required as part of the application and can be a term paper or thesis no longer than 20 pages (double-spaced) not including bibliography. Do not submit a longer sample with instructions to read a particular section. Applicants should select an example of their best academic writing that demonstrates their capacity for rigorous analysis and independent work. It is not essential that the writing sample be directly related to the topics or areas that you are proposing to study in the future.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should demonstrate a geographic cultural region and/or a particular topical or theoretical interest in anthropology. Language skills related to an applicant’s intended area or areas of specialization should be explained in the statement of purpose.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Anthropology

Anthropology Faculty

See list of Anthropology faculty

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Questions about the program.

Graduate Program

The Anthropology graduate program provides students with excellent training in theory and methods, enabling them to pursue an advanced graduate degree in many subfields of Anthropology, including archaeology, ecology, environmental anthropology, evolution, linguistic, medical anthropology, political economy, science and technology, and sociocultural anthropology.

The doctoral program prepares students to conduct independent research and analysis in Anthropology.  Through completion of advanced course work and rigorous skills training, the doctoral program prepares students to make original contributions to the knowledge of anthropology and to interpret and present the results of such research.  Eligible PhD students from other disciplines at Stanford University may also pursue a PhD Minor in Anthropology. See PhD Program Flyer for more information.

The department offers a Coterminal MA degree in Anthropology for current Stanford undergraduates seeking to obtain a MA degree while completing their BA degree in the same or different department. The department also offers a Terminal MA degree in Anthropology for Stanford graduate students, either in anthropology or in other disciplines, who have fulfilled the MA degree requirements for the MA 'on the way to the PhD'.

Over 1,500  doctoral dissertations  have been completed in the department since 1895.  Anthropology alumni pursue successful careers in teaching, research, or non-academic careers in the United States and worldwide.

Beyond the Classroom

In close collaboration with Stanford  faculty members  and  department leadership , our graduate students organize number of event series that contribute to the department's intellectual life and community.  The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) representatives act as a liaison between the department leadership and the graduate student body, actively participating in department issues, and providing a supportive community for the first-year PhD student cohort as well as other for other PhD and M. graduate students. Graduate students also engage with unique research, curricular, and professionalization activities. 

Fields of Study

Our graduate s tudents may choose from the following Department tracks: 1) Archaeology; 2) Culture and Society.  Students work closely with faculty members who are engaged in research informed by a wide array of theoretical perspectives from political to spiritual. Subfields in Archeology include: cities, gender and sexuality, and materiality. Students interested in Culture and Society can focus on a wide range of issues such as: linguistic anthropology, culture and mind, medical anthropology, and global political economy.   Explore each Research Area and its faculty .

The Anthropology Department offers 5 years of financial support to PhD students.  No funding is offered for student enrolled in the co-terminal and terminal MA programs.

Join dozens of  Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  (KHS). As a scholar, students join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of Doctoral studies at Stanford. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission .

How to Apply

Please review admissions for policies and requirements for each degree program by visiting the specific degree program page listed above. Please also consider reviewing the Stanford School of Humanities & Sciences'  Guide on Getting into Grad School  to explore which graduate program may best suit your interest, what graduate committees look for, and the benefits and challenges for pursuing a graduate degree.

Program Contacts

Angela Garcia

Lochlann Jain

Ph.D. in Anthropology

Earn Your PhD in Anthropology

Our Ph.D. program in anthropology is designed to provide a broad background in the field with a primary emphasis on sociocultural anthropology, biological anthropology, or archaeology. The degree prepares students for careers in academia, consulting, or other applied professions in the discipline. 

The major foci of research and instruction in sociocultural anthropology include religion, law and politics, ethnicity, gender, history and anthropology, problems of social change and economic development, culture and the environment, cognition and culture, and medical/psychological anthropology. The study of the Islamic world, East and Southeast Asia, and Africa are the greatest strengths among our sociocultural faculty and students. 

In biological anthropology, our faculty and students primarily study living and fossil human and non-human primates, including their evolutionary morphology, behavior, genomics, and sensory adaptations. For more information on ongoing research in biological anthropology, visit our laboratories page . 

Finally, the major foci in archaeology include human-environment interactions, urbanism, households, and material culture viewed in deep historical perspective. Faculty and students are primarily interested in Mesoamerica, North America, and the Mediterranean. To learn more about research and fieldwork in archaeology, click here .

PhD Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate mastery of the fundamentals of the traditional four subfields of American anthropology (social/cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology) sufficiently to make them effective and competent teachers of introductory undergraduate courses in general anthropology, social/cultural anthropology, and/or biological anthropology.
• Demonstrate the ability to conceive, plan, propose, carry out, and write up a major piece of anthropological research, related to current theoretical discourse in their chosen subfield and constituting a significant contribution to the discipline.
• Be able to make compelling and interesting presentations of their ideas and findings to audiences of professional anthropologists in several forms—oral, written, and graphic.
• Carry out all these tasks in a manner consonant with the highest prevailing standards of ethical and professional conduct in research and teaching.

Each year, Boston University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS) offers incoming Ph.D. students Dean’s Fellowships, which include full tuition, a living stipend, and health insurance for five years; along with a new summer stipend beginning in 2021.

For more information on financial aid for doctoral students, visit the GRS page on fellowship aid .

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Ph.d. program.

Our doctoral program offers students solid training in theory, contemporary research methods, and proposal writing with the aim of enabling students to develop an anthropology sensitive to the challenges and complexities of human experience and of our times.

Two PhD Tracks

Students have the option, with permission of the dissertation committee advisor, of leaving for the field after five or after six semesters. If they leave after five semesters, they will take 15 courses in total (three per semester) and convene their committee for a Portfolio workshop in December of that fifth semester. At the workshop they will discuss their grant proposals, three annotated reading lists (with 25 citations each), and a course syllabus (for a class to be taught in the future). If they leave after six semesters, they will take 18 courses in total (three per semester) and convene their committee for a Portfolio workshop in April of their sixth semester. At the workshop they will discuss their grant proposals, three annotated reading lists (with 35 citations each), and a course syllabus (for a class they will teach in the future).

If students receive external funding for fieldwork, they can spend a year and a half in the field (with one semester covered by the department and two by their grant). If they do not receive external funding, they will remain in the field for one year (with the one year covered by the department).

Funding (tuition, fees and stipend) for each student is guaranteed for five years, or five and an half for those who receive external funding for their fieldwork. The department is not responsible for the financial support of those who do not finish within these time frames, but will work closely with each student who does not finish to find external funding to cover continuation fees, health insurance, and stipends.

Students who choose the 3-year (six-semester) plan are required to take 18 graded courses. The program’s required courses (two semesters of Theories, Fieldwork Methods, and Grant Writing) comprise four of these 18. An additional six courses must be graduate seminars with primary faculty in Cultural Anthropology. Two of the 18 courses must be in a discipline outside Cultural Anthropology. A student on this plan may take a maximum of five independent studies. 

Students who choose the 2.5-year (five-semester) plan take 15 graded courses. The program’s required courses (two semesters of Theories, Fieldwork Methods, and Grant Writing) comprise four of these 15. An additional five courses must be graduate seminars with primary faculty in Cultural Anthropology, but the department strongly encourages taking six. Under exceptional circumstances, and with support of their committee chair, students on the 2.5-year plan may petition the DGS to allow 8 courses with primary faculty. Two of the 15 courses must be in a discipline outside Cultural Anthropology. A student on this plan may take a maximum of three independent studies.

Students on either plan have the option to take up to two graduate seminars in Anthropology at UNC-Chapel Hill. These may be counted towards the required courses with primary faculty in Cultural Anthropology.

Required Courses

• Theories:  The two-semester Theories course (CULANTH 801-802), taken in Fall and Spring of the first year, focuses on core debates and themes within the history of socio-cultural anthropology and related fields.
• Research Methods:  The Research Methods seminar (CULANTH 803), taken in the Spring of the second year, focuses on ethnographic methods, grant writing, and reading list annotation.
• Grant Writing:  The Grant Writing seminar (CULANTH 804), taken in the Fall of the third year (the fifth semester), focuses on the development of grant proposals for dissertation research support.

Other Requirements

• Plan of Study
• Portfolio of Work
• Foreign Language Requirement
• Research or Teaching Service
• Summer Field Research
• Department Colloquia
• Dissertation

Certificate Programs

Cultural Anthropology PhD students are encouraged to apply for a certificate in another department or field. Our students have acquired certificates in: Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Studies; African and African American Studies; Latin American and Caribbean Studies; Asian and Middle Eastern Studies; Documentary Studies; International Development Policy. 

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Getting a PhD in anthropology can be an excellent choice for people who want to develop new skills, streamline their knowledge, and achieve new career goals. Enrolling in an on-campus PhD program is a time-consuming option that’s often unavailable to professionals with busy careers. That’s why many potential students choose online studies.

If you are thinking about getting a PhD in anthropology online, you need to consider multiple options, clarify your demands, and list your expectations. Let’s take a closer look at choosing the best online PhD in anthropology programs.

Reasons to Get a PhD in Anthropology Online

Pursuing an online doctor of philosophy in anthropology can turn into a rewarding academic journey. It offers numerous benefits and opportunities for individuals passionate about human societies, cultures, and behavior. Here are a few reasons why online anthropology PhD programs may be right for you:

An online doctor of philosophy in anthropology allows you to go deep into the field and gain advanced knowledge. Through engagement with leading scholars, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of anthropological methodologies and practices.

This in-depth knowledge will not only enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills but also position you as an expert in your chosen area of specialization.

Getting an online doctorate in anthropology degree provides you with extensive research opportunities. You will have the chance to:

• Conduct original research
• Contribute to the existing body of knowledge
• Address pressing social, cultural, and environmental issues.

Whether it’s ethnographic fieldwork, archaeological excavations, or data analysis, the PhD journey allows you to immerse yourself in hands-on research experiences. Your work can make a significant impact in the field of anthropology even while you are still getting a degree.

An online doctor of philosophy in anthropology opens up doors to academic and teaching careers. With your advanced degree, you can pursue tenure-track positions at universities. These positions can help you to engage in cutting-edge research while teaching the next generation of anthropologists. Additionally, you can shape the future of this discipline by supervising and mentoring students.

Anthropology is not limited to academia. A Doctoral Degree in this field equips you with transferable skills that can be applied in various industries. Many anthropologists find rewarding careers in consulting by working with private companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Your expertise in cultural understanding, qualitative research, and problem-solving can contribute to many fields, including healthcare, international development, and public policy.

Getting a doctorate degree in anthropology is a transformative journey that drives personal and intellectual growth. It challenges you to think critically and expand your worldview. Throughout the process, you will engage in intellectual debates, collaborate with scholars, and develop your own perspective within the field. While getting your degree, you will continuously discover opportunities for contribution to the field.

Offline vs. Online Doctoral Program in Anthropology

While it’s possible to pursue a doctorate degree in anthropology offline, many students choose the online option for a variety of reasons. Here are several things you may want to consider when making this choice.

One of the main advantages of an online doctoral anthropology program is its flexibility. Online programs allow people to study from anywhere so you don’t need to relocate to be closer to an offline campus.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for working professionals or people with personal commitments because it allows them to balance their studies with other responsibilities.

Offline PhD programs provide impressive networking opportunities. Being physically present on campus allows students to engage in face-to-face interactions with faculty, peers, and guest speakers. These interactions can lead to collaborations and provide access to a broader academic community.

While online programs don’t offer as much face-to-face communication experience, networking opportunities still exist. They include online conferences and workshops as well as occasional offline fieldwork and seminars.

Both online and offline PhD programs often provide extensive research support. Offline students gain access to well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and research facilities.

These resources are highly useful for conducting in-depth anthropological research. While online programs may offer some research support, it may be more limited due to the remote nature of the program.

Offline PhD programs usually have a structured curriculum and specific timelines for completing coursework. This structure can provide a sense of accountability and guidance throughout your studies.

In contrast, online PhD programs may offer more flexibility in terms of pacing and scheduling. However, students must be self-motivated and disciplined to stay on track.

Online PhD programs don’t usually have lower tuition compared to their offline counterparts. However, online students save on such expenses as commuting, housing, and campus fees.

This affordability can make pursuing an online PhD in anthropology more financially accessible. However, you would still need to factor in additional costs associated with online programs, such as technology requirements or travel expenses for in-person components.

Admission Requirements for Online PhD in Anthropology

Each university that offers a Doctor of Philosophy program in anthropology has its own set of admissions requirements. They may include:

To begin the process, all applicants must submit an online admissions application.  This application provides essential information about the applicant, including contact details, educational background, and research interests. It also comes with a fee that differs from school to school.

Most online PhD programs in anthropology require applicants to hold a master’s degree in anthropology or a related field. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree coupled with relevant work experience may be sufficient for a positive admissions decision.

PhD programs usually require the applicant to have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 in their previous academic coursework. In some cases, a school may settle for a GPA that’s lower than 3.0 if the applicant has a strong CV and a powerful personal statement.

You would have to submit official transcripts from all previously attended academic institutions, including undergraduate and graduate programs. These transcripts reflect your academic achievements and completed coursework.

Online anthropology Doctoral programs often require applicants to provide two or three letters of recommendation from people who can confirm their academic abilities, research potential, and suitability for doctoral studies. These letters usually come from professors, research supervisors, or other professionals familiar with the applicant’s work.

This sample may be a research paper, thesis chapter, or any other scholarly work that demonstrates your ability to conduct research and present ideas effectively.

A personal statement allows applicants to articulate their motivations, research interests, and career goals. It provides an opportunity to explain why you are interested in pursuing a PhD in anthropology at this particular school. The statement also demonstrates how your academic and personal backgrounds align with the program’s objectives.

Schools usually ask applicants to provide a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, which has an overview of their academic, professional, and research experiences. These documents highlight your qualifications and achievements relevant to the field of anthropology.

If your native language is not English, the school will likely demand proof of English proficiency This proof comes in the form of standardized tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

While some online Ph.D. programs in anthropology may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, it is not always mandatory. Many schools have shifted towards a holistic approach, focusing on an applicant’s academic background, research experience, and personal statement, rather than relying solely on test scores.

Top Programs for Getting an Online PhD in Anthropology Online

These programs can help you achieve your PhD goals without leaving the comfort of your own home. Each one of them can be the perfect choice for students who have to juggle career and personal responsibilities while getting a degree.

Located in San Francisco, CA, the California Institute of Integral Studies offers a PhD in anthropology program  and social change. The program can take between 4 and 7 years to complete, depending on the intensity of your studying schedule.

Admissions requirements include:

• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• GPA 3.0 or higher
• Transcripts
• Autobiographical and goal statements
• Academic writing sample
• Two letters of recommendation

The school is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Located in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University’s Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies offers a strong program for getting a  doctorate degree in anthropology . It puts a strong emphasis on various fields of training and provides opportunities for face-to-face guidance, both online and offline.

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• For non-native English speakers – English proficiency test results

The school is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Located in Chandler, AZ, the University of Arizona offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Sciences program that includes anthropological studies.

Admissions requirements are:

• GPA of at least 3.0
• Master’s degree from an accredited school

It takes between 3 and 7 years to complete the doctorate program. Students who don’t do so within 7 years may be dismissed.

The school is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I earn a PhD in Anthropology entirely online?

Yes, many universities are accredited and offer degree programs in anthropology online. These programs provide flexibility to complete coursework, research, and dissertation requirements without traveling to the campus.

How long does it take to complete an online PhD in anthropology?

The duration of an online PhD program in anthropology varies depending on such factors as enrollment status, prior coursework, and research progress. On average, it takes around 4 to 6 years to complete.

What are the admission requirements for an online PhD in Anthropology?

Admission requirements vary but usually include a master’s degree in anthropology or a related field, a minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or higher), letters of recommendation, a writing sample, a personal statement, official transcripts, and a CV or resume.

How do online PhD programs in anthropology facilitate research and fieldwork?

Online PhD programs in anthropology often offer various resources for research and fieldwork. This can include virtual research tools, access to online databases and libraries, remote collaboration with faculty and peers, and opportunities to work with industry experts.

Can I specialize in a specific area of Anthropology during my online PhD program?

Yes, many online PhD programs allow students to specialize in specific areas such as cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, or linguistic anthropology.

Can I receive funding or financial aid for an online PhD program in anthropology?

Some online PhD programs offer funding opportunities, such as scholarships, grants, or research assistantships. Talk about the available funding options directly with the school of your choice. :

Are online doctorate degrees in anthropology recognized in the field?

Yes, online doctorate degrees in anthropology from accredited universities are generally recognized in the field.

Getting a Doctoral degree in anthropology in a remote setting can be a wonderful choice for many professionals who are looking to increase their expertise and knowledge. The flexibility of such programs coupled with cost-savings make them highly appealing.

When choosing the best programs for your needs, pay attention to admissions requirements, the type of studies (fully remote or hybrid format), accreditation, and alumni reviews. Online schools also offer financial aid. So if you need this type of assistance, make sure to inquire about it directly with the school.

PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM

2024 Best Online PhD in Anthropology Programs

Anthropology is the scientific study of the human condition, and getting a PhD in Anthropology can help you become a specialist in a subject matter and able to conduct independent research.

Whether you’re interested in history, language, evolution, art, or another aspect of humanity, an anthropology doctoral program can give you the opportunity to delve deeply into what fascinates you. Graduates may pursue careers in academia and the business world or even work independently as writers and consultants.

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A doctoral degree is the highest academic qualification in anthropology, so you also have the opportunity to earn respect as a scholar due to the amount of dedication required.

Online PhD in Anthropology Programs

Anthropology is a broad field that looks at the history and development of human beings as a whole as well as how different cultures and societies are formed.

For example, an anthropologist might study migration, types of governments, sign language, or the effects of health policies. Most online PhD in Anthropology programs will allow you to choose a specialization and contribute original insights through in-depth research.

Anthropology PhD programs are usually highly customizable, but you’ll probably spend your first year studying general anthropological theories. After this, most programs offer the following specializations:

• Archeology . Archeology aims to find out how people lived in the past through material objects that they left behind, such as writings, ruins, and fossils.
• Cultural Anthropology . Cultural anthropology looks at both the differences and similarities of human cultures by studying their beliefs, legal systems, and social norms.
• Linguistic Anthropology . Linguistic anthropology studies how language emerges and how it’s influenced by culture and social structures.
• Biological Anthropology . Biological anthropology examines how human beings evolved as a species and how biology affects human behavior.

A PhD is research-focused, so you’ll likely take additional courses on research design, data analysis, and fieldwork. Much of your anthropology PhD program will probably be spent working on your dissertation.

Most anthropology PhD graduates work as professors in their fields of expertise. Still, many enter into diverse industries, such as human resources, marketing, community development, data science, and museum curation. The industries you qualify for will depend on your chosen courses and specialization.

Anthropology Careers & Salaries

Since anthropology is so wide-ranging, a doctorate in anthropology can help prepare you for a variety of careers.

Traditionally, most PhD anthropology graduates enter the field of academia as professors and researchers. Aside from anthropology, it’s possible to teach cultural studies, linguistics, cognitive science, and other departments if you have a related research specialty.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median yearly salaries for careers related to anthropology.

Since PhD in Anthropology programs are typically very flexible, the careers that you can pursue will often depend on your program specialization.

Some PhD graduates work for businesses. Since they’re trained in critical thinking and understanding diverse cultures and people, they may become marketing specialists, translators, writers, or journalists or pursue other roles that involve communication.

Other common career tracks include data analysis, user experience research, or market research. These areas involve conducting surveys and studying how consumers behave.

Some of the most lucrative positions for anthropology PhD graduates include marketing and public relations management, postsecondary teaching, and data analysis for technology companies.

Anthropology PhD Curriculum & Courses

In an anthropology doctorate program, you may be required to take these core courses:

• Theory and Practice of Anthropology : This course surveys anthropology as a whole, from its historical development to classic theories and important modern themes.
• Cultural Anthropology : This course involves analyzing how societies form their own cultures, including laws, politics, religion, and social groupings, and making comparisons across cultures.
• Biological Anthropology : This class covers the evolutionary history of human beings as a species and the emergence of biological variations.
• Archeology : Archeology involves studying material objects used by humans, such as artifacts, debris, and tools, to gain insights into human history and societies.
• Linguistic Anthropology : This course examines the connections between language and culture through topics like language acquisition and expressions of social differences in language.
• Practice of Ethnography : In this class, you can gain experience conducting ethnography, which involves observing and even participating directly in a culture, doing interviews, and collecting genealogies.
• Sociocultural Theory : This course gives an overview of how societal factors—such as family dynamics, social norms, and cultural beliefs—affect psychological development.
• Research Methods in Anthropology : This class is an overview of various anthropological research methods and frameworks, from defining research problems to conducting observations and writing grants.
• Quantitative Research : This course dives into quantitative research methods, such as probability, simple and multiple linear regression, analysis of variance, and estimation.
• Dissertation Research : You’ll likely spend most of the program doing independent, original research that is based on data. You’ll probably be required to present this research to a panel of expert examiners in order to graduate.

Aside from these core classes, most PhD programs will allow you to pick the rest of your coursework from various electives.

Admissions Requirements

Anthropology PhD applicants typically have to submit these requirements:

• Personal statement . This is a formal essay explaining why you’re interested in the program, usually with a research proposal included.
• Official transcripts . You’ll probably be asked to submit transcripts of all of your previous undergraduate and graduate work.
• Recommendation letters . PhD applicants are often asked to submit two or three recommendation letters from academic and professional references.
• Writing sample . Most programs will want writing samples from previous academic works, such as a thesis.

Some PhD programs will require you to take the GMAT or GRE and submit your score, though not all schools request this.

Anthropology Ph.D. Programs Accreditation

One of the top criteria for a credible anthropology PhD program is regional accreditation. Schools are only awarded regional accreditation once they have proven that they offer high-quality education.

The US Department of Education maintains a list of accredited schools across the US. Universities, businesses, and other employers may grant more validity to PhDs from accredited schools. Studying at an accredited school can also be an eligibility factor for federal financial aid. 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are many possible sources of financial aid for an anthropology PhD. Many PhD programs across the country offer partial or full funding to their students.

You can also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine your eligibility for government financial aid. You might also be able to do research and teaching assistantships at your school or receive a scholarship based on your specialization.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Anthropology?

The critical thinking, data analysis, and cultural awareness skills that you can gain from an anthropology PhD are applicable to many fields.

Many anthropology PhD graduates become professors at the undergraduate or graduate level while conducting research or fieldwork. Market research is another possible path for graduates. From your program, you’ll likely have experience with conducting interviews and surveys and using various research methods.

Another option could be to work in fields such as human resources, community management, media, and marketing, all of which benefit from having a deeper understanding of people.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Anthropology Online?

An online PhD in Anthropology usually takes 3 to 5 years to complete if you study full-time. Most PhD programs will expect you to do extensive research in your field of study and produce a dissertation.

Working on your research can take a long time, especially as you gather data or even travel for fieldwork. Anthropology doctoral programs that don’t require a dissertation can generally be completed in 3 years with full-time study.

Is a PhD in Anthropology Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Anthropology is worth it for many students. An anthropology PhD program can help you develop many skills that are relevant across several industries, including academic writing, quantitative research, and holistic problem-solving.

Many of the top jobs for anthropology PhD graduates are in demand.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 12% job growth for postsecondary teachers over the next ten years, which is faster than average. Market research is another thriving sector, with an estimated 22% job growth expected for market research analysts over the next decade (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Anthropology Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

The California Institute of Integral Studies offers a PhD in Anthropology that emphasizes the integration of activism and scholarship. It requires the completion of 36 units and includes 3 years of coursework and a dissertation.

The program is designed to help students learn how to apply their skills in research and policy analysis and participate in scholarly debates.

The California Institute of Integral Studies is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Pennsylvania State University offers a PhD in Social Studies Education that includes the study of anthropology and related subjects.

Courses are available both online and on campus. Classes include Research on Social Studies Education, Teaching Citizenship for Civic Engagement, Teaching and Learning Historical Literacy with Media, and more.

Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of Arizona offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services. The program features accelerated courses that are 6 or 9 weeks long. Students usually take just one course at a time.

Students in the program have opportunities to design research and learn how to incorporate social justice into the operations of human services organizations.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your Doctoral Degree in Anthropology Online

Getting a PhD can be challenging but also rewarding. Most PhD in Anthropology programs can provide you with rigorous training in research and help you position yourself at the frontier of developing knowledge.

As with an online master’s in anthropology program, if you enroll in an online anthropology PhD program, you have the advantage of not needing to live close to your school. At most, you may only have to be present on campus a few times a year. Online anthropology degrees are also known for their convenience and flexibility.

If you’re interested in pursuing an anthropology PhD, you can start exploring doctoral programs from accredited schools to find the ones that cater to your research interests and career aspirations.

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Department of Anthropology & Social Change

Renowned for its focus on activist research, anarchist anthropology, and social justice.

In this Section

CIIS’ Anthropology and Social Change department is renowned for its focus on activist research, non-hierarchical communities, and social justice.

Our programs reflect an integration of social, political, economic, and environmental issues. Rather than analyzing them separately, these themes are approached as united. Our learning community is a convivial space where we consider social movement histories and create a shared understanding of how to consider these movements. Scholars and activists together engage in the learning process, inspired by an extensive and positive history of education amongst modern and cost-free schools and universities.

Queering Motherhood: Dr. Talia Molé on inquiry and finding community

Work That Matters with Talia Molé

“We are at a moment in time when we have the ability to reimagine our narratives.” Talia Molé (she/her), Ph.D., MFT Anthropology and Social Change Alumna. Dr. Molé shares her co-research on queering the model of the mother.

The Anthropology and Social Change department at CIIS offers degrees that emphasize activism and social justice through scholarship. With so many crises around the globe, systematic research of utopian alternatives are more necessary now than ever. We engage in the process of co-research to explore existing alternatives and possibilities for social change. This process dissolves traditional barriers between research and political activism, creating instead an opportunity for co-learning and mutual support. We believe in reciprocal learning and teaching with communities of praxis. We teach activist media and organizing skills according to decolonial, postcapitalist, and radical models, and our students graduate ready to bring about positive change in their communities.

Our Programs

Our programs reflect an integration of social, political, economic, and environmental themes and issues. Instead of analyzing them separately, we treat these themes as interconnected.

M.A. in Anthropology and Social Change - A community-centered, social justice-informed, two-year online master's degree for anthropology scholars.

Ph.D. in Anthroplogy and Social Change - A doctoral degree centered in counter-hegemonic and liberatory principles.

Faculty Research and Scholarship

Our faculty have a wide range of research interests that include urban social movements, agri-food studies, politics and filmmaking, post-structuralist philosophy, gender equality, forced migration and refugees, radical oral history, and psychoanalytic time.

Who Is Wellness For?

In her latest book Who Is Wellness For? Fariha Róisín explores the ways in which the progressive health industry has appropriated and commodified global healing traditions. Listen to this engaging conversation with professor Targol Mesbah that explores the commodification and appropriation of wellness through the lens of social justice and provides resources to help anyone participate in self-care regardless of race, identity, socioeconomic status, or able-bodiedness.

In Praise of Agnotology: The Politics of Knowledge in Democratic Modernity

In this talk at the Network Alternative Quest in Hamburg, professor and chair Andrej Grubacic explores the social and political significance of Agnotology, or the science of (politically and socially constructed) ignorance in the history of capitalist modernity.

On the Future of Disability Lineage

In this conversation autistic Mestiza, disability studies scholar-activist, and Anthropology and Social Change alumna, Sara M. Acevedo joins author of the recent book All Our Families, Jennifer Natalya Fink, to challenge us to reconnect disability within the family as a means of repair toward a more inclusive and flexible structure of care and community.

Our courses are taught in a synchronous format with live zoom lectures. This allows our department to maintain an in-person community feel while staying online.

Worker cooperatives in Oakland, social centers in Italy, autonomous systems of justice in Guerrero, community gardens in Detroit, occupied self-managed factories in Argentina, "good government" of the Zapatistas, buenvivir (good life) and plurinationalism in Bolivia, participatory democracy in Kerala, solidarity economics of Mondragon, participatory economics in Winnipeg, pedagogy of the block in African-American communities, alternative environmentalism in Afro-Colombian river regions, legal pluralism, autonomy of migration, marginalized medical practices in South Asia, solidarity unionism in New York City, communal agriculture in Malawi, shack dweller democracy in South Africa, Copwatch in LA, biodiversity in Brazil, restorative justice in Ohio, knowledge commons and globalization, independent media, and autonomous food systems in Japan, are some examples of prefigurative cultures. There are so many more, and one of the responsibilities of our students is to discover them.

Students will work with some of the most prominent activists in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as with core faculty from the department and the University. In this process of encounter and co-learning, students and faculty are expected to share ideas, debates, and practices of radical politics and social movements, as well as practical skills in research, organizing, campaigning, policy analysis, legal and environmental work, and activist media.

We offer several forms of convivia, or convivial spaces of knowledge communication:

• Insight/Incite: Our participatory cinema monthly event, in collaboration with Sherman Street Cinema.
• Political Laboratory: Held once each semester as a weekend-long convivial encounter of local or international scholars working on a particular project, students, and selected participants from the local community. Together they think collectively about a particular idea, book, concept, or project.
• Autonomous Classroom: An experimental class created convivially by M.A. and Ph.D. students, a class where the world is turned upside down, students become teachers, teachers become students, and all graduate students autonomously design a class that they teach and self-manage over the course of one semester.
• Guerrilla Workshop: An improvised event-space where students, faculty, or students and faculty, present on their current work. This includes papers to be presented at various conferences, report backs from academic or activist events, and dialogues relevant to anthropology, social justice, and critical theory.
• Dialogues and Interrogations: Instead of interrogating people, in this public convivia, coordinated by Sasha Lilley, we interrogate ideas. This takes form in a bi-monthly conversation between activist journalists and prominent organizers and activist intellectuals.
• Nomadic Cafe: Where we have nomadic discussions on spaces, places, and non-spaces.

In the past number of years, the Anthropology and Social Change Department signed specific agreements defining collaboration between a number of outstanding programs.

• Rojava University, the main University in the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria (Kurdish). Rojava University was established in 2016 as part of a new experiment in higher education called "perwerde" in Kurdish meaning, teaching while learning and learning while teaching. This partnership greatly enhances the ongoing development of our own pedagogical approach. 
• School of Social Innovation,  St Paul University in Ottawa. The Élisabeth-Bruyère School of Social Innovation is the first school of social innovation in Canada. Its approach to social innovation is clear: its objective must be social transformation. Its pedagogical approach is founded on practical engagement, block-style teaching, and integration with the Mauril-Bélanger Social Innovation Workshop.
• Our program has signed a specific agreement defining a collaboration with the Graduate Department of Sociology , part of the  Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences  at the Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP); it is one of the finest social movement, critical theory-based programs in Latin America. Students in our program who are fluent in Spanish will have the option to continue their doctoral studies in Puebla's flagship social science department. The Institute is a home to some of the most significant theorists and social scientists from Latin America, including Raquel Gutierrez Aguilar, John Holloway, and Sergio Tischler. The agreement includes fellowships, faculty and student exchange opportunities, and many other exciting collaborative projects. For more information about this study opportunity, please contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Additionally, Anthropology and Social Change is now a member of the HAU Network of Ethnographic Theory (the HAU-N.E.T.). HAU is an international network of research centers and anthropology departments working together to support HAU's flagship journal and its innovative book series. For a list of current HAU-N.E.T. institutions, visit the  HAU Network website.

CIIS Internal Scholarships

CIIS Diversity Scholarships : $5,000, $10,000 and $12,500 annual levels. Awarded based on a combination of need and merit, to foster diversity in CIIS. Application deadline April-July.

CIIS Angeles Arrien Scholarship : $2,500 annually, with priority to Anthropology students. For preservation of Cultural Heritage, Multi-Cultural Bridging and Collaborative Efforts, Elder Support, and Youth Support. Application deadline May.

Activist Scholarships

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund : Up to $15,000 annually. Application deadline April.  

Horowitz Foundation For Social Policy Awards : $10,000. Application deadline December.  

Diversity Scholarships

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans : Up to $15,000 annually. For migrants and children of migrants. Application deadline October.

Ford Foundation : $28,000. Diversity scholarship supporting Ph.D. students in their final year of dissertation writing. Application deadline December.

Sigma Xi : $500-$5,000. For diversity in scientific research. Application deadlines March and October.

Travel and Language

Boren Fellowships : Up to $25,000. For immersive training in “critical languages” at any level of proficiency. Application deadline January.

Fulbright : Huge range of scholarships in different regions and at different levels. Amounts and deadlines vary.  

Marshall Scholarship : For fully funded study in the UK, recommended for our M.A. graduates looking to do doctoral work at London School of Economics or other British institution. Application deadline September.

Dissertation Funding

AAUW – American Fellowships for Women : $25,000. Fellowship supports women scholars who are pursuing full-time study to complete dissertations. Application opens August 1. Deadline is November. 

Charlotte W. Newcomb : Up to $31,000. For the final year of Ph.D. work in religion and ethics. Application deadline November.

Spencer Foundation : $27,000. For dissertation writing. Application deadline October.

Wenner-Gren : $25,000. Dissertation fieldwork grant. Application deadline May 1. 

Wenner-Gren : $25,000. Engaged research grant. Application deadline August 1.

HFG Emerging Scholars : $25,000. Dissertation writing (post fieldwork and research). Application deadline February 1.

Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research : Up to $5,000. Exploratory field studies for the collection of data. Application deadline November.

International

AAUW – International Fellowships for Women : $20,000 - 25,000. International fellowship for women pursuing full-time graduate or post-graduate study in the United States who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career. Application opens August 1. Deadline is November 15.

The  Angeles Arrien Scholarship Fund  was established in memory of Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., to celebrate her life work and commitment to peace. The scholarship is awarded to two CIIS students in the Anthropology and Social Change program whose graduate work is relevant to one of the four key areas of emphasis:

• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Supports ceremonial space, creative arts, education, healing arts, language & oral tradition, and environment.
• Multi-Cultural Bridging and Collaborative Efforts: Supports projects between countries, generations, professions, and faiths.
• Elder Support: Honors elders as invaluable mentors and wisdom-keepers; supports dissemination of perennial wisdoms.
• Youth Support: Fosters the development of emerging leaders, educational opportunities, character development, and peace practices.

Angeles Arrien was a cultural anthropologist, award-winning author, educator, and consultant to many organizations and businesses. Among her many achievements, she co-founded the Anthropology program at CIIS. Throughout her lifetime she lectured and conducted workshops worldwide, bridging cultural anthropology, psychology, and comparative religions; she contributed many practices from perennial wisdom to medical, academic, and corporate environments. She was the founder and president of the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research. Her books were translated into thirteen languages and she received three honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of her work in the world. 

The Angeles Arrien Scholarship is open to all current M.A. and Ph.D. Anthropology and Social Change students in good academic standing, and also to students who have been admitted to either the M.A. or Ph.D. program in Anthropology and Social Change within the award year. All applicants must have demonstrated financial need. Applicants will submit an application stating how their research and professional interests support one of the four areas of emphasis. A faculty selection committee will make the final award decision. The annual awards will be between $2,500 and $5,000 each. International students and applicants are eligible to apply. Please email us at [email protected] for details and deadlines.

Our department's founding chair, Andrej Grubačić serves as editor for the Journal of World-Systems Research , a biannual peer-review academic journal with a 25-year history, which was also one of the early adopters of an online, open-access format.

Our department regularly hosts lectures, conferences, and workshops on a variety of social justice issues that bring together scholars, activists and artists, both local and international. A one-day political laboratory on Radical Pasts, Radical Futures combined the intellectual and political experience of social movement theorists and activists Selma James, Peter Linenbaugh, Andayie, George Katziaficas, Ruth Reitan, and Scott Crow.

Aymara feminist from Bolivia, Julieta Paredes, gave a workshop presentation of "feminismo communitario."  Against the Grain  producer Sasha Lilley interviewed Iain Boal on his book on communes in Northern California. Silvia Federici and Selma James gave lectures, and organized a political laboratory, around the issue of Reproductive Labor and the Commons. Anarchist anthropologist David Graeber gave a key-note lecture on the first 5000 years of debt. Arturo Escobar presented on anthropology and post-capitalism.

Our visiting activist scholars include John Holloway, Jason W. Moore, Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui, David Graeber, Silvia Federici, Arturo Escobar, Adrienne Pine, and Havin Guneser. We co-sponsor events such as American Indian Movement West conferences, Howard Zinn Bookfair, The Western Workers Labor Heritage Festival, World-Ecology Research Network Annual Conferences, Anarchist Studies Conferences, Revolutionary Organizing Against Racism Conference, and the Institute for Social Ecology summer school. The Anthropology and Social Change program now has its own book imprint,  Kairos , with the PM Press publishers.

To comply with federal Title IV regulations governing distance learning, CIIS is required to verify students’ locations prior to engaging in financial transactions. There are 12 states that do not qualify to attend CIIS through distance learning. Please confirm that your state of residence is on our approved list on our State Authorization page .

Our Upcoming Events

Application Workshop — Graduate-Level Programs

An Online Workshop with Admissions Counselors designed to help you craft a compelling essay and submit an impressive application

Anthropology and Social Change: Online Info Session

A Free Online Info Session with Andrej Grubacic and Sean MacCracken

Summer Info Fair

Come to the Summer Info Fair on June 6, 2024 to ask questions and learn more about CIIS' innovative online and in-person academic programs.

Our Department in Action

Queering Motherhood with Talia Molé

Anthropology and Social Change Alumna Shares Work That Matters

David Graeber Memorial Lectures

Watch and listen to the recordings of past years' memorial lectures for David Graeber

Assignment for Activism

Professor and Students Step Up for Sacred Lands Under Threat

Anthropology, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Anthropology

The School of Human Evolution and Social Change is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a PhD in the classic fields of anthropology:

• archaeology
• bioarchaeology
• evolutionary anthropology
• sociocultural anthropology

It is also an ideal environment for students who want to combine these approaches and other disciplines to explore specific issues or research questions within a transdisciplinary context. The flexible graduate curricula are designed to encourage students to design innovative plans of study in order to pursue their interests while receiving broad training in key areas. The anthropology faculty actively engage with faculty in other disciplines, including:

• applied mathematics
• environmental economics
• epidemiology
• formal modeling
• sustainability
• technology and society
• urban planning

The training students receive in this program prepares them to become expert scholars who are able to contribute not only to their chosen field but also to finding solutions to humankind's greatest challenges. This program provides training in data analysis and research design within the context of human evolution, archaeology and the wider field of anthropology. Through anthropological coursework, students learn how to ask important questions about the human species and employ statistics to analyze and extract meaning from data. Students will learn to appreciate humanity's place in nature and the long history of human societal change.

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Students entering with a master's degree in a related field may be granted up to 30 credit hours toward the 84 credit hours required for the doctorate. This leaves 30 credit hours of coursework, 12 credit hours of research and 12 credit hours of dissertation (54 credit hours total) to be earned post-admission.

Students entering without a master's degree must earn an additional 30 hours of graduate credit, produce a research portfolio which is formally evaluated by a faculty committee, and present that research in a public forum before continuing on in the later stage of the doctorate.

All students must maintain a GPA of 3.20 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in their courses and complete degree requirements per the program's satisfactory progress policy.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement outlining educational and professional goals
• current curriculum vitae or resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Undergraduate coursework in anthropology is not a prerequisite for admission but is generally advisable. Students may be admitted without such a background and may be required to acquire knowledge of general anthropology in a manner to be specified at the time of admission.

Applicants also may submit with their application materials an optional scholarly writing sample not to exceed 30 double-spaced pages.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, career opportunities.

The demand in the job market for people with an anthropology background is stimulated by a growing need for researchers and analysts with keen thinking skills who can manage, evaluate and interpret large amounts of data. As the many spheres of human interaction expand globally, people trained in anthropology are increasingly sought-after for their broad, holistic knowledge and perspectives, which are the hallmarks of anthropology. Some career opportunities include:

• acting as legal advocates in international cases
• analyzing and proposing policies
• conducting postgraduate academic research
• consulting for private and public organizations
• curating cultural resources
• directing nonprofit organizations
• directing programs in the private or public sector
• managing culture or heritage resources in private or public sectors
• modeling infectious diseases
• planning communities

Global Opportunities

Global experience.

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-6215

Anthropology PhD

Graduate programs.

Please visit the links below to learn more about each of the graduate-level concentrations we offer:

Archaeology

All the procedures and regulations of the overall Anthropology Ph.D. apply to students admitted as anthropological archaeologists. Specific expectations of the anthropological archaeology track begin with the admissions review and extend through to the presentation of a dissertation talk near the end of the program.

Biological Anthropology

All the procedures and regulations of the overall Anthropology Ph.D. apply to students specializing in biological anthropology. Students can be admitted to work with archaeology or sociocultural faculty. The Head Graduate Advisor has authority over the implementation of requirements for these students.

Sociocultural Anthropology

All the procedures and regulations of the overall Anthropology Ph.D. apply to students specializing in sociocultural anthropology.

Medical Anthropology

The Joint UCB/UCSF Ph.D. in Medical Anthropology is one of the pioneering programs in the discipline both nationally and globally. The program provides disciplinary leadership and an outstanding and comprehensive training leading to the Ph.D. degree.

Anthropology

Doctor of philosophy in anthropology.

The Doctor of Philosophy program in anthropology requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit.

The Ph.D. degree leads to the accomplishment of professional-level skills in conducting independent research, and normally features specialized training in one or two of the discipline’s subfields. Doctoral education is guided by a Ph.D. committee composed of members of the faculty competent in the particular areas and topics chosen by a student.

The doctoral program includes an integrated process of progressively developing and completing reading lists, developing and submitting research proposals to funding agencies, developing and defending a dissertation prospectus, and writing two comprehensive exam essays. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive examination and the dissertation prospectus, a student advances to candidacy for the Ph.D. To complete the Ph.D. degree, all doctoral candidates are required to conduct independent anthropological research, write a dissertation, and defend it.

For students who enter the doctoral program with an existing M.A. (in anthropology or a related field), the faculty develop an individualized program of study based on a student's existing coursework and goals.

Ph.D. students also may elect to pursue an optional concentration in either feminist anthropology or paleoanthropology.

Listed below are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy in anthropology, visit the UI General Catalog .

Important Deadlines

Application Deadline : January 1st (for all programs)

Applicants for admission to the graduate program in anthropology are considered regardless of their previous field of training. Students without previous training in anthropology are expected to perform additional work as necessary to achieve competence expected for their degree objective.

Students normally are admitted under the assumption that they intend to pursue the Ph.D. degree. Students without an M.A. in anthropology devote the first two years fulfilling the M.A. requirements. After those requirements are completed, the student's committee may award the M.A. with admittance to the Ph.D. program.

Students with an M.A. in anthropology from another institution may proceed directly into a Ph.D. program organized around their special research interests. If they lack any of the requirements of the graduate program at the University of Iowa, they are informed of those requirements when admitted. Acceptance of credit hours from other institutions will follow UI regulations.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official test scores to verify English proficiency. Applicants can verify English proficiency by submitting official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Once recommended for admission, international students also must complete several additional requirements.

For additional information, visit the Graduate Admissions Process page.

Comprehensive Examination

During the semester of the comprehensive exam, the student will prepare two comprehensive essays: one in the geographical area of specialization and the other in the primary topical area of specialization.  In some subfields and for some projects, a geographical area may not be relevant and the student will focus on two topical areas.  Each paper will address a question posed by the committee in consultation with the student.  The department recommends that each student and committee chair compile feedback from all committee members on proposed reading lists for each question, prior to the student beginning the writing process.

Comprehensive exam essays should combine factual knowledge and comprehension with analysis, evaluation, and synthesis.  In other words, they should: demonstrate control of a body of information (knowledge and comprehension), critique a major problem or debate (application and analysis), develop a position on an issue, and provide an explanation or theoretical justification for the position (evaluation and synthesis).  Essays therefore document the student’s ability not only to characterize key lines of academic inquiry in a given area, but also to identify points where new research questions might constructively enter into these conversations.

Dissertation

All doctoral candidates are required to conduct original anthropological research. Students typically conduct dissertation research after advancement to candidacy. Dissertations are usually based on ethnographic fieldwork, archaeological excavations, or laboratory analysis. Some are based on archival collections or other source materials.

NOTE :  Any research which involves "human subjects" must be reviewed by the University of Iowa  Institutional Review Board (IRB)  prior to the initiation of the project.  Proof of the determination/review process must also be submitted to the International Studies Program before the international experience proposal can be approved. For all questions contact the IRB at (319) 335-6465; or complete the  IRB Determination Form  to find out if your research meets the definition of human subjects research.

PhD in Anthropology (General Catalog)

NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

PhD in Anthropology

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We will not be accepting applications to our doctoral program for AY 23-24 and AY 24-25. We hope that all prospective doctoral students will revisit our site regularly and look for updates on our doctoral program as we draw closer to reopening admissions for AY 25-26.

Doctorate with a Real-World Focus

In the PhD in Anthropology program, you will improve your intellectual and practical skills and apply your research findings to critical issues in contemporary society . You will explore the major arguments shaping classic and contemporary debates in anthropological theory; use key ideas from these debates to plan archaeological and anthropological research and analysis ; present your research findings in written, oral, and visual presentations; and learn how to seek external funding for research. By experiencing the complete research process, you will graduate prepared for your career as an anthropologist.

We provide rigorous training in urban anthropology; ethnicity; the anthropology of work; the anthropology of development; language, culture and cognition; gender and culture; cross-cultural quantitative analysis; and historic and public archaeology. Drawing from archaeology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology, your coursework will emphasize anthropology's four-field tradition and utilize the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary resources within the College of Arts and Sciences and across the university.

Whether you concentrate on cultural/social anthropology or archaeology, you will reach beyond the university to work on real-world issues in the US and abroad, exploring policy-oriented questions as well as more traditional, academic themes. At the same time, you will find ample opportunities to develop skills in public anthropology . You will graduate as a public intellectual doing relevant work to promote social justice.

Public Intellectuals Making a Difference

More about Delande

Anthropology PhD candidate Delande Justinvil is on a mission to protect Black burial grounds.

As a biocultural anthropologist, Delande researches the grounds and their history, analyzes remains from at-risk burials, and he advocates for their protection at both local and federal levels. During his time at AU, he helped curate the museum’s 2019 exhibition Plans to Prosper You,  collaborated with the Society of Black Archaeologists, and conducted dissertation research on recently discovered Black burials in Georgetown. 

What Delande finds most special about AU is the graduate student community. “Even with respect to my doctoral research, it was my friend Shannon Clark who in my first semester here really listened to what I wanted to do and connected me to the dedicated members of DC’s Historic Preservation Office. My colleagues and I show up for each other in ways that reflect how centering care and compassion as an ethical practice can be equally, if not more, rigorous than our respective — and brilliant — scholarly pursuits.”

Delande also praises Dr. Malini Ranganathan and the Antiracist Research and Policy Center (ARPC):

They have produced regular thought-provoking programming that deeply engages antiracist, feminist, and decolonial conversations both within and beyond the walls of the academy in ways that help me rethink and revise the critical approaches in my own work. In my eyes, the ARPC has really become somewhat of an intellectual anchor and integral component of the AU community.

Professor Thurka Sangaramoorthy , spent nearly a decade in Eastern Shore communities , interviewing immigrants working in the agriculture, poultry, and seafood industries for her most recent book, Landscapes of Care: Immigration and Health in Rural America (University of North Carolina Press, 2023). Now, with NIH funding, Sangaramoorthy and a team of researchers are seeking to better understand how environmental exposures and related policies and regulations are impacting the respiratory health of migrant seasonal farmworkers. 

Doctoral candidate Maya S. Kearney received the  2022 AAA Dissertation Fellowship for Historically Underrepresented Persons in Anthropology .

See PhD candidate Heba Ghannam the Middle East Institute's 2022 Arab Barometer Report: Attitudes and Trends toward Gender .

Hear prof Dan Sayers in the Ideas podcast: The Marrow Nature: A Case for the Wetlands .

Alumna Becca Peixotto was featured in American Magazine .

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Ph.D. Cultural Heritage and Applied Anthropology

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Our doctoral program specializes in Cultural Heritage and Applied Anthropology. Students in this program focus not only on cutting-edge research but also the application of anthropology to one or more central issues of the 21st century. These include the preservation of heritage and traditions, whether objects, landscapes, or language; international social issues, particularly global development and health delivery; or understanding the biological basis of humankind. This program requires more extensive coursework than the M.A. and, even more importantly, the achievement of independent professional-level scholarship demonstrated by the completion of a major research project presented to the faculty as a dissertation. This comprehensive yet individualized program provides seasoned professionals and recent B.A. and M.A. graduates alike an opportunity to earn a Doctorate.

Cultural heritage studies analyze 'heritage' as an archaeological, ethnohistorical, social, biological, linguistic, and legal construct. Heritage reflects a socially and personally important set of cultural, linguistic, and biological attributes that have developed through historical processes, which have social and legal meanings and consequences. The concept recognizes diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds while grounded in principles of the unity of heritage for all people. Different notions of heritage are explored from a theoretical perspective using various anthropological and other relevant paradigms. The course of study covers topics such as cultural resource management, social impact assessment, the interaction between cultures, the invention of tradition through time, cultural landscapes, cultural property, biological heritage issues, and retention of culture and language. An overlapping concern of the Ph.D. program is applied anthropology, the use of the anthropological perspective to solve real-world problems, including cultural heritage, medical anthropology, and a host of international development issues.

At the heart of our program is a strong commitment to employ anthropological theory to engage contemporary relevant issues with focused research for communities. While some that are awarded a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Montana will look toward teaching careers, a goal of the program is to produce applied anthropologists who will serve in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), tribal and ethnic associations, and businesses.

Admission to the anthropology Ph.D. program is competitive and open to students with

• a bachelor's or master's degree
• a GPA of 3.2
• optional  GRE scores and/or TOEFL scores
• positive letters of recommendation
• and a statement of purpose that indicates professional goals compatible with the research specialties of the faculty.

There is no minimum GRE score, and GRE scores are only one measure used to assess an applicant's suitability for the program. Provisional admission may be offered for promising students who do not meet the GPA standards. If the student's bachelor's degree is not in Anthropology, the student will work with their advisor to develop a course of instruction that includes developing a background in the four fields of Anthropology.

Applicants to the Ph.D. program should include a significant writing sample as part of their application. For students with a master's degree, this should be their Master's level original work such as a thesis or professional paper. For students without a master's degree, this should consist of a selection of term papers or research reports that they have completed.

Students in an M.A. or B.A./B.S. program (at the University of Montana or another institution) may apply for admission to the Ph.D. program up to one year before completing the M.A. degree, but their admission to the program will be provisional, contingent upon finishing their M.A. or B.A./B.S. program.

Graduate student applicants may apply online through the Graduate School .

Degree Requirements

The Cultural Heritage Studies and Historical Anthropology Ph.D. program requires coursework, a reviewed portfolio, a comprehensive examination, and a defended dissertation. The faculty expects completion of the Ph.D. within three years of earning the master's degree.

The faculty will assign the student a Ph.D. committee chair upon acceptance into the Ph.D. program; and the student, in consultation with the chair, will select at least two more members for the committee within their first semester in the program. The Ph.D. committee chair will guide the student in choosing appropriate courses and research experiences to accomplish their desired educational outcomes, including serving as the dissertation committee chair. If a student's interests change to the extent that another faculty member would be more appropriate as the dissertation committee chair the student may present a written petition to the graduate advising coordinator, who will consult with the student's existing committee chair, the prospective new committee chair, the Department Chair, and any other relevant faculty in making a decision to grant the student's request.

Graduate Contract and Portfolio

The student and their Ph.D. committee will formulate a plan of study, in the form of a graduate contract, tailored to the student's specific goals and consistent with Graduate School policy (section D.2000), within the student's first semester of entering the program. The contract will state the student's desired educational outcomes, the way in which the outcomes will be achieved, and the manner in which the outcomes will be assessed. The contract may only be altered with the approval of the student's Ph.D. committee. The student will create and maintain a portfolio of work documenting progress toward fulfillment of the graduate contract.

Students are expected to complete the following course requirements:

• A total of 30 credits beyond those required for the MA degree (total of at least 60 credits post-bachelor degree).
• The core course sequence consists of ANTY 600, 601, and 602.
• At least nine credits in research (ANTY 697) and/or dissertation (ANTY 699). Students may apply up to 10 credits of ANTY 593/597/599 or the equivalent and 10 credits of ANTY 697/699 or the equivalent toward the 60 post-baccalaureate credits required for the degree. After students have earned an M.A. degree they may not enroll in ANTY 593/597/599.

Dissertation Research Proposal

Before accumulating 45 postbaccalaureate credits and before enrolling in ANTY699 the student will develop a detailed dissertation research proposal. A funding proposal to an appropriate source may be substituted for the research proposal. At a minimum the proposal should include:

• The goal of the scholarly work, including hypotheses to be tested;
• The materials and methods to be used;
• A significant annotated bibliography or literature review;
• A completed, but not submitted, the University of Montana Institutional Review Board for Human Subjects in Research checklist form if the scholarly work involves living human subjects;
• A complete, but not submitted, Graduate School Application for Graduation.

Dissertation Committee

After completion of the dissertation proposal, the candidate will form a dissertation committee consisting of five members who meet the requirements listed in Graduate School Policy (sectionsD4.100 and D4.300), including one University of Montana -- Missoula faculty member who is outside Anthropology.

Comprehensive Examination

Each student will orally present their research proposal at a meeting with their dissertation committee. During this meeting, the committee will ask questions designed to assess whether the proposal and the student's background demonstrate the likelihood of successful completion of the dissertation research. The committee will also review the student's portfolio to assess the student's progress toward their desired outcomes. If the student has demonstrated substantial progress toward fulfillment of their graduate contract and is, in the opinion of the committee, prepared to undertake dissertation research, then they will be invited to continue work toward the completion of their dissertation. If deficiencies exist the committee may prescribe remedial action or direct the student toward graduation with a terminal M.A. degree. However, students may not earn a second M.A. degree in Anthropology from the University of Montana by this mechanism.

Dissertation Defense

After the dissertation is completed, the student's dissertation committee will review it and ask the student to defend it following the process described in Graduate School policy (section D5.000).

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Anthropology, phd.

for the Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology

The Department of Anthropology offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. We generally do not accept students for a terminal M.A.

Admission Students without the equivalent of the department’s undergraduate concentration may be admitted to either degree program, but they may be required to make up any deficiencies in their anthropological backgrounds. In addition to the Graduate College admission requirements, students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) , with minimum scores set by the Graduate College. Students are admitted for the fall term only.

Students wishing to pursue the minor in Museum Studies must be in good standing in the graduate program of an academic department, and must apply for acceptance into the minor. Admission to the minor is contingent upon approval of the student’s home department and the Museum Studies Steering Committee. Students may apply to the minor during the first week of the fall and spring semesters in any academic year, and should contact the Museum Studies Program Coordinator for application instructions or more information.

Application to the PhD Program Guidance Introduction The University of Illinois Department of Anthropology welcomes application to their PhD program for fall 2023. We welcome applicants from all subdisciplines and well as students whose research interests cross sub-disciplinary boundaries and those who are well-matched to the strengths of our faculty. We especially encourage students from underrepresented minority groups to apply as part of our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

This application process aims to give you the opportunity to show us your best scholarly selves. Please read the information below for guidance on both required and optional materials, designed to give you ways of sharing your thinking that play to your strengths.

A few quick tips to increase your chances for success, in this program and many others:

• Contact potential advisors in advance of submitting your application. A short conversation can reveal whether you have shared interests and mentoring styles. This also saves you work if your preferred faculty is not taking students this year.
• Consider applying to programs where there are at least two faculty with whom you would be excited to work. We often encourage co-advisors because we find that distributing mentoring leads to more varied and constructive advice for our students.
• See if you can talk to graduate students in the program, as well as in the research group or lab (if you are bio/arch) that you are interested in joining.

Application Materials

• Description of Interests
• Statement of Research Interests and Objectives
• Personal statement
• Writing Sample (optional)
• Online conversation (optional)
• 3 Letters of recommendation
• Transcript (GPA 3.0 or higher)
• TOEFL score (for non-native English speakers)

Guidance on application materials DESCRIPTION OF INTERESTS: This part of the application allows you to indicate your topical and geographical areas of interest and identify the faculty members with whom you are interested in working. Please do not write an essay, but rather provide a bulleted list of your interests and the names of at least two faculty with whom you would like to work. Please also indicate in this document if you choose to participate in the optional online conversation (see below). We want you to end up in a program that is best for you, and this information helps us to make this determination.

STATEMENT OF RESEARCH INTERESTS AND OBJECTIVES: This is the single most important item in your application. This essay should be 1000-1500 words and give the admissions committee a clear idea of 1) why you want to pursue a career in anthropology; 2) what anthropological questions or problems interest you; 3) how you want to address these questions; and 4) why you want to pursue your graduate degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Submit your Statement of Research Interests and Objectives electronically by uploading it with your online application.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: The Personal Statement is a brief essay (maximum of 500 words) on how your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This is not an academic statement of research, but a discussion of the personal journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree.  This information will assist the Admissions Committee identify and nominate candidates for Graduate College Fellowships [see https://grad.illinois.edu/fellowship/competitions ]. Submit your Personal Statement with your online application.

WRITING SAMPLE (optional): Your writing sample should provide the Admissions Committee and relevant faculty with a substantive piece of scholarly work and demonstrate your ability to write clearly and to make a cogent argument. Applicants may submit a short research paper, an excerpt from a thesis, a journal article, essay, etc. Please do not send more than 8000 words. 

ONLINE CONVERSATION (optional): As an alternative to, or in addition to the optional writing sample, we invite applicants to schedule a fifteen minute call with members of the faculty in their subfield (biological, sociocultural/linguistic, archaeology). If you select this option you will receive a link with options for times between December 2-9, 2020.

Admissions process and timeline Admission decisions are made collectively by faculty in each subdiscipline in consultation with the Graduate Admissions Committee. We receive many worthy applications, and every year find ourselves putting truly excellent students on our wait list. Often being on this list has more to do with the priority of a given faculty member in admitting students to their group than anything else. If you are waitlisted, know that this means we think you would be wonderful for the program and would very much like to have you join us. We admit students off the wait list every year.

Our graduate process takes place in two phases. A first selection is made by December 10 th when each subdiscipline ranks their top choices. A final selection is made by December 17 th by the Graduate Admissions Committee. We will notify you by Dec 21st if you have been admitted or waitlisted. While the official acceptance date is April 1st, we strongly encourage admitted students to formally accept or decline our invitation as soon as they reasonably can so that we can invite wait listed students into the program.

Degree Requirements Each subfield (Archaeology, Biological Anthropology, and Sociocultural/Linguistic Anthropology) requires a specific set of courses for graduation. Achieving doctoral candidacy in all three subfields entails passing (a) language (and/or skill) exam(s), (b) passing a set of preliminary examinations, and (c) successfully submitting a predissertation paper, and/or a doctoral proposal, all to be defended in an oral examination. For specific details and requirements for admission to and navigation of the Ph.D. program, please refer to the Anthropology Department Graduate Programs Handbook and the University of Illinois Graduate College Handbook .

Graduate Teaching Experience Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, the Anthropology Department recognizes the importance of teaching experience as part of a graduate education. Most Anthropology graduate students will have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants, to learn to design their own classes, and possibly teach their own classes.

Faculty Research Interests and Facilities Courses and individualized study provide broad coverage of sociocultural, linguistic, archaeological, and physical anthropology. The department provides special emphases in the analyses of state ideologies and cultural transformations; complex societies in transition; kinship and gender relations; politics, economics, and business studies; social movements and youth; border studies, criminalities, violence, and security; religion, race, and ethnicity; democracy, governance, and policing; social classification; performance and embodiment; food and environment; language and culture; discourse and narrative analysis; transnationalism and diasporas; human evolution; agricultural origins and development; landscape histories and heritage; hunter-gatherer adaptations; climate change and sustainability; diet and nutrition; paleoecology and paleobiology; evolutionary genetics; population genetics; peopling of the Americas; ancient DNA; biomechanics of locomotion; exercise and neurobiology; functional morphology; comparative and analytical osteology; forensics; demography; immunology; evolutionary medicine; microbe-host interaction; reproductive ecology; female reproductive physiology; conservation; and nonhuman primate evolution, morphology, behavior, and ecology. The department’s research facilities include laboratories for archaeology, GIS and spatial computing, faunal analysis, casting, stable-isotope analysis, ethnography, ancient DNA, skeletal biology, locomotion and motion analysis, and endocrinology.

Departmental funds and a grant from the National Science Foundation, as well as from area studies centers, are available for graduate students’ summer field research. An archaeology field school is held at various locations in Illinois and outside of the US (location varies from year to year). Graduate student programs are enriched by close departmental relationships with the various interdisciplinary units, including area studies centers on campus (African, East Asian and Pacific, European Union, Latin America and Caribbean, Russian and East European; South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies), the ethnic and gender studies units (the American Indian Studies Program and the departments of African-American Studies, Asian American Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and Latina/Latino Studies), along with the Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program, Spurlock Museum, the Museum of Natural History, Krannert Art Museum, the Institute for Genomic Biology, and the Program in Ancient Technologies and Archaeological Materials.

Agreements between the University and various governments and institutes facilitate research in many nations. Training is available in various languages (some with funding available), including Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Quechua, Lingala, Russian, Shona, Swahili, Thai, and Urdu. Students have ready access to the extensive computer facilities of the University and to the department’s facilities.

Financial Aid University fellowships, Graduate College fellowships for under-represented minorities, and teaching and research assistantships provide variable levels of funding for most graduate students who do not hold external awards. Tuition and service fee waivers accompany most fellowships and assistantships. Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowships are available through various area centers. University of Illinois public archaeology programs, including the Illinois State Archaeological Survey and the Public Service Archaeology and Architecture Program, have provided support and research employment for graduate students in the past, as has the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory in Champaign.

The preliminary examination consists of a pre-dissertation research paper, a proposal for doctoral research, and a written examination designed by the student's doctoral committee followed by a two-hour oral examination. The final examination is a defense of the doctoral thesis.  Fieldwork is strongly recommended, although not required.

For additional details and requirements refer to the department and the  Graduate College Handbook .

Other Requirements

• Skills for independent research . Graduate students will acquire professional-level research and reasoning skills to identify important research problems and to subsequently design, execute, and clearly report the results of independent research programs.
• Subfield-specific expertise . Our program encompasses the four fields of anthropology, while our core curriculum grounds the separate graduate trajectories. Graduate students should develop an in-depth understanding of the differences and similarities of people through a combination of technical skills, language abilities, and theoretical approaches relevant to their chosen expertise.
• Contributions to discipline.  Graduate students will develop their intellectual skills to contribute to the discipline through service, research, teaching, and publishing.
• Ethical and professional standards.  Graduate students will abide by accepted ethical standards of professional anthropological conduct.

Graduate Degree Programs in Anthropology

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Anthropology Department Head: Brenda Farnell Director of Graduate Studies: Jessica Greenberg Director of Program: Name Anthropology website Anthropology Faculty 109 Davenport Hall, 607 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801 (217) 333-3616 Anthropology email

Museum Studies Program Coordinator: Susan Frankenberg

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Graduate Students in Anthropology are expected to familiarize themselves with the program requirements outlined below and with the requirements posted on the Harvard Griffin GSAS Policies .

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The Department of Anthropology at the University of Chicago offers doctoral programs in sociocultural and linguistic anthropology and in archaeology.

The program in sociocultural and linguistic anthropology offers opportunities to pursue a wide range of ethnographic and theoretical interests. While the Department does not emphasize a particular theoretical perspective, it is well known for its attention to classic problems in social theory along with an engagement with the latest developments in theories of history, culture, politics, economics, transnational processes, space and place, subjectivity, experience, and materiality. 

Shared topical interests among its members include culture and colonialism; postcoloniality and globalization; gender and sexuality; historical anthropology; history and social structure; politics and law; political economy; religion; ritual; science and technology; semiotics and symbolism; medicine and health; and subjectivity and affect. Africa, the Caribbean, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Oceania, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the United States of America are among the geographic areas of faculty research.  

Coursework and study with faculty in other departments enable the student to pursue interdisciplinary interests, language training, and other regional studies.

The archaeology program enables students to articulate archaeology, history, and sociocultural anthropology, with emphasis on the integration of social and cultural theory in the practice of archaeology.

Current faculty specialize in the archaeology of Latin America (the later prehistory and colonial periods of the Andes and Mexico), Europe and the Mediterranean (the “Celtic” Iron Age and Greco-Roman colonial expansion), the Southeastern U.S. (urban history, colonialism, landscapes), East and Southeast Asia (from the Neolithic to the early colonial periods), and West Africa (history, landscape, complexity and political economy), as well as ethnoarchaeology in East Africa and experimental archaeology in South America.

Research interests include: urbanism; state formation; colonialism; industrialization; art and symbolism; spatial analysis; politics; ritual and religion; human-environment interactions; agricultural systems; material culture; economic anthropology; political economy; the archaeology of the contemporary; and the socio-historical context and the history and politics of archaeology. Faculty members have ongoing field research projects in Bolivia, Mexico, China, Cambodia, France, Senegal, and the United States (New Orleans). The program in anthropological archaeology also has strong ties to many other archaeologists on campus through the  UChicago Archaeology Nexus (UCAN) .

Teaching in physical anthropology, mainly directed towards evolutionary anthropology and primatology, is offered by Russell Tuttle.

In addition to linguistic anthropology as a sub-field within the Department of Anthropology, there is also a joint Ph.D. program available to students who are admitted to both the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Linguistics . Administratively, the student is admitted to, and remains registered in, the primary, or “home” department, and subsequently seeks admission to the second department in joint residence status. Students approved to pursue the joint degree program must complete the requirements of both departments, including the distinct introductory and advanced courses stipulated by each, the departmental qualifying examination in appropriate special fields, and the language requirements, including additional foreign languages for the Linguistics Ph.D. The student’s dissertation advisory committee consists of three or more members of the faculty; at least one must be a member of the Department of Anthropology but not of the Department of Linguistics, and at least one in Linguistics but not in Anthropology. After approval by the advisory committee, the student’s dissertation proposal must be defended at a hearing open to the faculty of both departments. Generally, an Anthropology student may apply to Linguistics for the joint degree program at the end of the second year or later, after having successfully completed the first-year program in Anthropology and the core (first-year) coursework and examinations in Linguistics. However, students should declare interest in the Joint Degree Program on the initial graduate application to the Department, and should discuss this interest personally with linguistic anthropology faculty soon after arrival on campus.

Although Anthropology has no other formal joint degree programs, students admitted to Anthropology may subsequently petition the University to create a joint program with another department. For instance, there is considerable precedent for pursuing a joint Ph.D. in Anthropology and History . To create this joint program, Anthropology students spend their first year taking the required first year courses in the Anthropology Department; in the second year, they take a two-quarter history seminar and write an anthropologically-informed Master’s paper in coordination with that seminar which will be acceptable to both Departments. The Master’s degree is awarded by one of the two departments and is accepted for equivalence by the other. The Anthropology student then applies for admission to History at the end of the second year or later, having already demonstrated a proficiency in both disciplines. Applicants to Anthropology who are interested in a joint degree program with History should declare interest at the time of the initial application.

Also by petition, it has been possible for students to create other joint Ph.D. programs. In recent years, individual programs combining Anthropology and Art History , South Asian Languages and Civilizations , East Asian Languages and Civilizations , Slavic Languages and Literatures , Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science , and Cinema and Media Studies have been created. An M.D./Ph.D. program is coordinated through the MeSH program in the medical school. A J.D./Ph.D. with the University of Chicago Law School or another law school is also possible, and we have facilitated joint degrees with the School of Social Services Administration at the University of Chicago.

Such individually-created joint degree programs begin in the second year of graduate studies or later. In all cases, students complete the separate program requirements for each degree, with no additional residence requirement, and write one Ph.D. dissertation that separately meets the dissertation requirements of each department. The specifics of each joint degree program, such as any requirements that may be jointly met, any overlapping examination areas, and the composition of the dissertation committee, are agreed upon by both departments at the time of the petition.

Students interested in pursuing an ad-hoc Joint Ph.D. should consult with the Dean of Students Office to understand the application process.

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PhD in Anthropology: Biological Anthropology

Program overview.

Admission | Advising  | MPH/PhD | Concentrations  |  Program Structure  | Events

Graduate students in Biological Anthropology acquire the PhD degree through mastery of a core curriculum and completion of advanced study and research in a chosen field of specialization. The curricular goal is to foster understanding of human biological adaptation and its evolutionary basis through study of ecological, demographic, genetic, developmental, paleontological, behavioral, and epidemiological dimensions of human adaptation. Comprehensive training in theory and topical research provides the base from which a student’s specialization can be developed under the direction of a Supervisory Committee .

During the first six quarters of enrollment, the student gains contact with faculty in the program and acquires the general competence and background necessary for advanced work through a series of required core courses. The comprehensive and general examinations follow this part of the program. The second part of the program involves research and completion of an acceptable dissertation project. Ideal time for completion of the entire program is five to six years.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit GRE's. An applicant for admission to the graduate program must have a BA or BS degree. An undergraduate major in anthropology is helpful, but those who have not majored in anthropology are also encouraged to apply. In the review of an application, course work in the following areas is considered especially desirable as preparatory for advanced studies: biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, archaeology, biology and zoology, mathematics, and statistics. Before applying, prospective applicants are strongly advised to consult the list of departmental biological anthropology faculty, to carefully note whether the faculty they are interested in working with are accepting new graduate students, and to get in touch with prospective faculty mentors. 

The application deadline for enrollment beginning in Autumn 2025 is December 15, 2024.  Applications open on September 15th. Applicants may apply for and be admitted for autumn quarter only. Offers of admission are usually mailed prior to the first of March. Those receiving offers of admission must respond by April 15.  Please visit the Graduate School's  Admission Requirements  page for a complete list of requirements. Visit  Anthropology's Graduate Admissions  page for admission information specific to our department. Visit  Apply Now  to submit your application. 

An entering student is assigned a chair (advisor) from the biological anthropology faculty. Students should stay in regular contact with their chair, bring questions to them, keep them apprised of their progress, let them know of challenges they are facing and consult with this person each quarter concerning study plans. A student may change to have another chair based on the changing interests of the student—however students should always have at least one chair.

Within one quarter after the successful completion of their comprehensive examination, the student should work with their chair to choose an associate advisor from the biological anthropology graduate faculty. The associate advisor is intended to be a resource for students to help provide them multiple perspectives and support. As with the chair (primary advisor), a student may change to have another associate advisor. The student should meet at least once a year with their associate advisor to keep them apprised of their progress, inform them of their research plans, get feedback and ask questions.  Should a student have a co-chair an additional associate advisor is not necessary.

MPH/PhD Concurrent degree program

This concurrent degree program offers interdisciplinary curriculum in the fields of public health and anthropology. Students who complete this program will receive two degrees, a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anthropology. Students will matriculate into one of four MPH tracks and complete either the Sociocultural OR Biological Anthropology PhD track programs. For more information about this option please visit MPH/PhD Program .

Statistics Concentration

Graduate student pursuing a PhD in anthropology may also consider completing a  Statistics Concentration in Anthropology .

Please visit the Department of Anthropology's main calendar  and the  Biological Anthropology Seminar Series (BASS)  calendar for a list of upcoming events.

Program Structure

Supervisory Committee | PhD Degree | Curriculum | Comprehensive (Written) Examination |   Dissertation Proposal | Colloquium | General (Oral) Examination | Teaching Requirement  | Seminar & Final Examination | Grant Funding & Publishing

Supervisory Committee

A student should always have at least one chair (faculty advisor) throughout their entire time in the PhD program, although a student may change to another chair. Students should constitute a full committee as they begin to write their dissertation proposal. The student should discuss committee member choices with their chair and their developing projects with prospective committee members. Associate advisors may be members of the Supervisory Committee, but are not required to be.

Please refer  Policy 4.2: Supervisory Committee for Graduate Students for a complete list of Supervisory Committee composition requirements. The Supervisory Committee shall consist of a chair (who is the primary the advisor) chosen from the graduate faculty in biological anthropology, a Graduate School Representative (GSR), and from two to four other members. At least half of the full committee (excluding the GSR) must be from the biological anthropology faculty. The GSR committee member must not be in the same department as the student/committee chair and must not have collaborations or other conflicts of interest with the student/committee chair. 

Faculty become official members of the committee when (1) the student submits a completed form for establishing a PhD Supervisory Committee   to the Graduate Program Assistant, and (2) the Graduate School responds by officially inviting all proposed committee members to serve as members of the supervisory committee.  At least three members of the Supervisory Committee will also serve on the PhD dissertation Reading Committee. Students should contact the Graduate Program Assistant if they would like to change the composition of their committee after it is officially established.

To obtain a PhD, the student must:

• Satisfy the Graduate School's requirements ( see the UW Graduate School ).
• Complete the core curriculum.
• Pass the comprehensive examination.
• Submit an acceptable PhD dissertation proposal.
• Present a dissertation colloquium.
• Pass the general examination.
• Fulfill the teaching requirement.
• Submit an acceptable PhD dissertation; present a seminar based on the dissertation.
• Pass the final examination.

a) A student with a limited background in biological anthropology must complete, upon entry to the program:

BIO A 502 (6 credits) Preceptorial Reading in Biological Anthropology.

b) If, in the view of the chair (advisor), a student has a limited background in other subfields of anthropology, the student must complete, as soon as possible, either or both of the following:

i)       ANTH 500     (6 cr) Preceptorial Reading in Sociocultural Anthropology ii)      ARCHY 501 (6 cr) Preceptorial Reading in Archaeology

c) Students must take at least five 400 or 500 level BIO A core courses (of at least 3 credits each). Among these five courses, students must complete at least one course in each of the four core competency areas. A single course can only fulfill competency requirements for one area at a time. Students should select their core courses in consultation with their advisor(s).  Students who have taken graduate courses at other institutions may petition for one or more of these courses to count towards their PhD requirements. Students who want to petition for this should work with their chair to generate a written request for consideration by the biological anthropology faculty.

Core competency areas:

1)     Human Biology/Health (HB) 2)     Paleoanthropology/Anatomy (PA) 3)     Evolution (E) 4)     Primatology (P)

Core courses with competency area categories in parentheses:

BIO A 413 Human-Primate Interface: Implications for Disease, Risk, & Conservation (P) BIO A 420 Anthropological Research on Health Disparities (HB) BIO A 450 Biodemography Seminar  (HB, E) BIO A 455 Reproductive Ecology Laboratory Seminar (HB) BIO A 465 Nutritional Anthropology  (HB) BIO A 470 Evolution of Human Behavior (E) BIO A 471 Evolutionary Perspectives on Parenting and Childcare  (HB, E) BIO A 473 Biological Adaptability of Human Populations  (HB, E) BIO A 476 Sociocultural Ecology and Health  (HB, E) BIO A 477 Evolutionary Perspectives on Sex and Gender Roles  (E) BIO A 482 Human Population Genetics  (E) BIO A 483 Human Genetics, Disease, and Culture  (HB, E) BIO A 484 Human Life Cycle  (HB, E) BIO A 485 Research in Growth and Development (HB, E) BIO A 486 Primate Socioecology  (P, E) BIO A 487 Human and Comparative Osteology  (P) BIO A 488 Primate Evolution  (P, E, PA) BIO A 491 Issues in Human Paleontology  (PA) BIO A 495 Growth and Development: Infancy  (HB) BIO A 496 Growth and Development: Adolescence and Reproductive Maturity  (HB) BIO A 520 Human Behavioral Ecology (3-5) (E) BIO A 521 Hominin Evolution  (E, PA) BIO A 522 Hominin Evolution   (E, PA) BIO A 523 Social Networks and Health: Biocultural Perspectives  (HB) BIO A 526 Quantitative Methods and Modeling for Biocultural Anthropology (HB) BIO A 544 Applied Biomechanics of Human Movement  (PA) BIO A 550 Skeletal Biology and Prehistoric Demography  (PA) BIO A 559 Laboratory Methods in Anthropological Genetics   BIO A 568 Human Reproductive Ecology  (E, HB) BIO A 569 Behavioral Ecology and Demography  (E) BIO A 584 Topics in Ecology and Adaptation  (E) BIO A 588 Topics in Primate Evolution  (PA, P) BIO A 591 Issues in Hominin Paleontology  (PA)

d) In addition to the five core courses required above students must take BIO A 525  Biocultural Research Methods & Study Design

e) These courses provide a broad view of the theory, methods, research, and ethical concerns of biological anthropology. Training in the ethical conduct of research is woven throughout BIO A topical courses and graduate student professional development, with the goal of understanding past, present, and future ethical considerations of the discipline. These courses also provide students an opportunity to identify their primary research and theoretical and methodological expertise of the faculty. A student must complete the core courses with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. A grade of less than 2.7 in any core course is unsatisfactory; normally, the student must repeat the course, but may, by petition to the biological anthropology faculty, seek to remedy the deficiency in another way.

f) Finally, each student must complete one of the below statistics sequences for a grade (or the equivalent as approved by the biological anthropology faculty)

BIOST 511, 512, and 513 , or BIOST 517 and 518 , or SOC 504, 505, and 506, or POL S 500, 501, and 503

g) Each student must satisfactorily complete all of the requirement listed above (except completion of BIO A 525  Biocultural Research Methods & Study Design) before taking the comprehensive examination.

h) Students may choose to take additional courses relevant to their particular research interests; these should be chosen in consultation with the student’s committee members and other advisors.

i) While in residence, PhD students are expected to attend the biological anthropology seminar series (BASS). If there are extenuating circumstances which make this difficult, the student should discuss these with their advisor. BASS is designed to be a forum for professional development and features a combination of research seminars from students and faculty at the UW and beyond as well as occasional sessions on topics such as career development. Students should reserve the BASS time slots on their calendar ( https://anthropology.washington.edu/bass-calendar ).

j) A student must register for a minimum of 27 credits of dissertation writing (ANTH 800) over a period of at least three quarters. 

Comprehensive (Written) Examination

This is an examination of the student’s general knowledge of biological anthropology, as derived primarily from the contents of the core courses and as applied to current issues in the field. The examination consists of questions selected by the faculty and is designed to test a student’s ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate theories, concepts and data. Students are expected to work with their chair to pick an additional one or two committee members. No official paperwork needs to be submitted to create a pre-masters comprehensive written examination committee.  This comprehensive written examination committee will make a recommendation to the graduate faculty in biological anthropology who will determine the final score of the exam.

Students are expected to take this examination during finals week in the spring quarter of their second year. The faculty sets the dates of the examination. S tudents must submit a Master's Degree request (non-thesis) in MyGrad prior to the exam . Please refer to the Procedural Steps to Degree page for details about how to submit requests in MyGrad.   The exam comprises four questions and is scheduled for six hours. The complete examination may be taken once and leads to one of three outcomes:

• Pass, with the recommendation to proceed in the PhD program – awarded when the score on each question is 3.0 or above.
• Conditional Pass – awarded when the answer to one or two questions are scored at or below 2.9. The condition is satisfied when the student demonstrates competence by successfully retaking the relevant portion(s) of the examination.
• Failure – awarded when the answers to three or more questions are scored at or below 2.9. Students who fail this examination may not proceed toward the PhD although they may, provided the overall score on the comprehensive examination is at least 2.7, earn a terminal MA.

Master's Degree

Upon completion of all required coursework and scoring at least 2.7 overall on the comprehensive examination the student can obtain a Master of Arts (MA) in Anthropology: Biological Anthropology.  Once the Graduate Program Assistant is informed that the student has completed their Comprehensive (Written) Examination and fulfilled all related degree requirements, the degree request will be approved .

Dissertation Proposal

Students should constitute a complete Supervisory Committee as they begin to write their dissertation proposal.   After completing the master’s degree, the student subsequently presents a formal written proposal of original research to the Supervisory Committee. The Supervisory Committee may require the student to complete one or more literature reviews as part of developing the dissertation proposal. Where appropriate, the proposal should be prepared in a form suitable for submission to a funding agency (e.g. NSF DDIG).

The candidate presents an overview of the proposed dissertation research in a colloquium to which all members of the Department of Anthropology are invited. The colloquium is usually held before the general exam, but also can be combined with the general examination.

General (Oral) Examination

A two-hour general examination focusing on the candidates proposed area of research and its theoretical and methodological foundation is administered by the Supervisory Committee . The general examination should be taken within five quarters (of enrollment) of taking the comprehensive examination. Students must submit a Doctoral (General Exam) request in MyGrad prior to the exam .  Please refer to the Procedural Steps to Degree page for details about how to submit requests in MyGrad.

The PhC is normally conferred once the student receives a Pass on their General Examination, and all department and  UW Graduate School requirements are met. Once the Graduate Program Assistant is informed that the student has completed their General Examination and fulfilled all related degree requirements, the exam request will be approved. 

Teaching Requirement

Before receiving the PhD degree, the candidate is expected to serve as a teaching assistant in anthropology, or teach a course in anthropology at least once. The course must be evaluated by the students enrolled and this evaluation should be shared and discussed with the PhD student's chair. 

Seminar & Final Examination

Following completion of research, the candidate prepares a dissertation which is submitted to the dissertation Reading Committee . On the recommendation of this committee, the candidate presents to the community a seminar based upon the dissertation, and then sits for the Final Examination (an oral defense of the dissertation required by the Graduate School and administered by the PhD Supervisory Committee ).

Once the date and time of the final examination have been established, the student must submit a Doctoral (Final Exam) request in MyGrad . Please refer to the Procedural Steps to Degree page for details about how to submit requests in MyGrad.   For information about how to submit the dissertation, visit the Dissertation Submission  page and the Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs): Overview . Please take note of any relevant deadlines on the Graduate student dates & deadlines and the Academic Calendar .

Grant Funding & Publishing

While not a formal requirement of the PhD program, students are strongly encouraged to apply for external grant funding and to begin publishing their research in peer-reviewed journals before completion of their PhDs. Peer-reviewed publications allow the broader dissemination of one’s work to benefit the scientific community and demonstrate one’s capability to so meaningfully contribute. Grant funding allows one to conduct higher quality research and demonstrates one’s ability to support their work and have an external check on the merits of their research plans. It is difficult to get post-PhD jobs in academia without a strong grant funding and publication record. For students who decide not to continue in academia, grants and publications are still likely to be helpful on the job market. Students should strategize with the chair of their Supervisory Committee and associate advisor about applying for grants and submitting their work for publication.

Please visit the Graduation Requirement page for a comprehensive list of University requirements. 

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Department of Anthropology

Online Master's Program

The online master's program offered by UNT's Department of Anthropology was created to serve students who are unable to attend an on-campus master's program due to geographic, work and/or family constraints. Among other groups, we hope to attract students with diverse backgrounds who have been historically underrepresented in anthropology. This program was created by the UNT anthropology faculty using innovative pedagogical designs that maintain the rigor of a fully face-to-face program while making it more accessible. We offer both an MA and an MS degree in Applied Anthropology.

Quote from a new student: "You … have crafted such a well-designed program that provides accountability for both of us, not to mention a terrific breadth of courses… I am also looking forward to the mentoring and guidance you offer. It is what will separate those who obtain a degree, from those who ultimately get a job. This is exactly what was lacking for me at [university]. I cannot thank you enough."

Accreditation

UNT has a large number of online courses, and the department draws heavily on this great pool of knowledge when developing and revising our online program. The department of anthropology is a member in good standing of the American Anthropological Association as well as the Consortium of Practicing and Applied Anthropology Programs.

The University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of North Texas.

Note: The Commission should be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support the institution's significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. Normal inquiries about UNT, such as admission requirements, financial aid, and educational programs, should be addressed directly to UNT and not the Commission's office.

Program Trajectory

The program can be completed in three years. In order to do so, students take two classes each fall and spring semester, for a total of twelve classes. The workload was designed to be manageable for students who are juggling work, family, and educational responsibilities.

All courses are fully online. Students are required to come to the UNT campus twice. At the beginning of the program, there is a two-day on-campus orientation for new students. At the end of their final semester, all graduating students come to UNT to give a verbal presentation about their applied thesis project, and share in each others' successes.

Virtual Pedagogy

In designing the online master's program, our main concern was that students receive a high-quality learning experience. To this end, we have utilized innovative virtual pedagogy in the development and delivery of our program.

Our courses are designed to provide students with expertise in anthropological theories, methods, and applications. Each course incorporates a unique mix of readings, asynchronous and synchronous group discussions, teleconferences, guest speakers, individual projects, and/or group projects. This mix of pedagogical approaches attends to the diverse learning styles that students bring to the program. All have been adapted to the online environment in creative ways.

Outside of class, students receive personal mentoring from their faculty advisor. Advisors help students plan their electives and work closely with them during the applied thesis. The applied thesis is a client project that helps position students for their career.

In addition, students interact with their peers by joining an online community that includes all students in the program. Participating in this community of practice enables students to learn from each other, and assists in their professional development.

UNT uses Canvas as the platform for delivery of online courses.

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It's easy to apply online. Join us and discover why we're the choice of over 46,000 students.

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The 100% online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (60 credits) is specially designed for people looking to expand their hearts and minds while developing skills to meet the challenges of 21st Century life. Research and study in counseling theories and practice are integrated with theological inquiry in this vibrant doctoral program.  

You may also be interested in: Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy .

Program Details

• Note: Internship placements will be in-person at a location near you.
• Additional credits required until the completion of dissertation; additional credits may also be required if interested in pursuing state license)
• Enrolling New Students: August
• $28,800 total in tuition & fees for the full 60-credit program (2023-2024)
• Financial Aid: Explore our federal financial aid options that may be available to you.

100% Online. Flexible. Affordable.

• Integration of Psychology & Christianity : Students assess individuals, couples, families, and congregations from an integrated point of view, incorporating theological issues with Marriage and Family systems theory and pertinent psychological perspectives in pastoral or clinical settings.
• Broad Audience : Students demonstrate advanced counseling skills appropriate to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, and congregations seeking mental health services and programs.
• Self-Reflection : Students practice in-depth self-reflection to enhance their ongoing personal and professional development.
• Significant Research Project: Students create and present a significant research project resulting in a dissertation that contributes to the field of marriage and family therapy.
• Enrichment Programs : Students create and deliver integrated psychological and spiritual enrichment programs.  Examples of previous enrichment programs created by Eastern doctoral students include workshops for individuals, couples, and families, as well as seminars offered on special topics in a clinical or church setting.

Brooke Wheeler, PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy ’25

Our Mission

The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy trains students in professional mental health and pastoral counseling fields to be skilled scholar/practitioners in marriage and family therapy who apply their minds and hearts to promoting processes of change and growth in individuals, couples, families, and communities. This scholar/practitioner research program prepares students for leadership roles in academia, research, behavioral healthcare, and pastoral care.

State Authorizations

Please check the  State Authorizations page  to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local requirements may exist for field placements or practica in this state. Out-of-state student placements/practica cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local requirements and regulations for their field placement/practica coursework.

Learn More: PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

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