Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. Program in Anthropology

The University of Montana offers a doctoral program in Anthropology, specializing in Cultural Heritage and Applied Anthropology. This program focuses on cutting-edge research and the application of anthropology to central issues of the 21st century, including the preservation of heritage and traditions, international social issues, and understanding the biological basis of humankind.

Program Description

The Ph.D. program in Anthropology requires more extensive coursework than the M.A. program and the achievement of independent professional-level scholarship demonstrated by the completion of a major research project presented to the faculty as a dissertation. The program provides an opportunity for seasoned professionals and recent B.A. and M.A. graduates to earn a Doctorate.

Cultural Heritage Studies

Cultural heritage studies analyze 'heritage' as an archaeological, ethnohistorical, social, biological, linguistic, and legal construct. The concept recognizes diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds while grounded in principles of the unity of heritage for all people. The course of study covers topics such as cultural resource management, social impact assessment, and the interaction between cultures.

Applied Anthropology

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 international development issues. The program aims to produce applied anthropologists who will serve in government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), tribal and ethnic associations, and businesses.

Admissions

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
• GRE scores and/or TOEFL scores
• Positive letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose that indicates professional goals compatible with the research specialties of the faculty

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. program in Anthropology requires:

• Coursework
• A reviewed portfolio
• A comprehensive examination
• A defended dissertation The faculty expects completion of the Ph.D. within three years of earning the master's degree.

Advisor

The faculty will assign a Ph.D. committee chair upon acceptance into the Ph.D. program. The student, in consultation with the chair, will select at least two more members for the committee within their first semester in the program.

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. 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.

Coursework

Students are expected to complete:

• A total of 30 credits beyond those required for the M.A. 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)

Dissertation Research Proposal

Before accumulating 45 post-baccalaureate credits, the student will develop a detailed dissertation research proposal, including:

• 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

Dissertation Committee

After completion of the dissertation proposal, the candidate will form a dissertation committee consisting of five members, 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. 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.

Dissertation Defense

After the dissertation is completed, the student's dissertation committee will review it and ask the student to defend it. The defense will follow the process described in Graduate School policy.