Javascript is currently not supported, or is disabled by this browser. Please enable Javascript for full functionality.

   
    Dec 18, 2024  
American University Catalog 2016-2017 
    
American University Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Anthropology (PhD)


Admission to the Program


Applicants must meet the minimum university requirements for admission to graduate study. Admission is based on academic record, three academic letters of reference, and an example of the applicant’s work, e.g., a term paper. GRE scores should be sent directly to the department.

Degree Requirements


  • 36-54 credit hours of approved graduate work, exclusive of ANTH-898 /ANTH-899 .
    • Students entering the program directly from a bachelor’s degree must complete 54 credit hours of graduate work, exclusive of  ANTH-898 /ANTH-899 .
    • Students entering the program with a MA degree in anthropology or equivalent credit hours must complete 36 credit hours of graduate work, exclusive of  ANTH-898 /ANTH-899 .
    • Students entering the program with a MA degree in a field other than anthropology or equivalent credit hours must complete 36-54 credit hours of graduate work, exclusive of  ANTH-898 /ANTH-899 . During their first semester in the PhD program, these students meet with their advisors to determine the relevance of previous work to their Proposed Program of Study. The student’s Program of Study, with a justification for the proposed number of required hours of coursework, must be approved by the graduate program director, and must include the number of credit hours of coursework required.
    • No more than 12 credit hours earned in a graduate certificate program may be transferred toward the PhD in Anthropology program.
  • Concentrations: Cultural/Social Anthropology or Archaeology
  • Continuous enrollment in each fall and spring semester until completion of degree requirements.
  • Two languages or one language and statistical or computer analysis as a tool of research.
  • Three comprehensive examinations.
  • Dissertation and oral defense.
  • Field work is a component of dissertation research.

Course Requirements


Additional Coursework (21-39 credit hours)


  • 21-39 credit hours of additional coursework, chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor. The total number of credit hours required depends on the student’s approved Program of Study. Customarily, students receive credit for no more than 6 credit hours of ANTH-691 . Students may receive credit for no more than 9 credit hours of ANTH-590  and ANTH-690 .

Dissertation