Program Overview

Anthropology M.A. Program Details

The Anthropology M.A. program at the University of West Florida is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human cultures, societies, and behaviors, equipping them with advanced research and analytical skills. This interdisciplinary training prepares them for diverse careers in cultural resource management, international development, museum curation, and social research.

Program Overview

The program requires 36 credit hours and can be completed in 36-48 months. It offers two specializations: Anthropology and Historical Archaeology. The Anthropology specialization is appropriate for students who plan to pursue a career or further graduate studies in archaeology, biological anthropology, or cultural anthropology. The Historical Archaeology specialization is designed for students with a strong interest in the archaeology of the post-Columbus period and the combined use of documents and archaeology.

Courses and Requirements

• Required Core Courses (15 credit hours)
  • ANG 6110 - Advanced Method and Theory in Archaeology Seminar
  • ANG 6286 - Contemporary Cultural Anthropological Theory
  • ANG 6583 - Evolutionary Theory in Biological Anthropology
  • ANG 6002 - Proseminar in Anthropology
  • ANG 6093 - Design in Anthropology
• Anthropology Specialization
  • Students will study all three anthropological subfields offered at UWF, including a minimum of two courses each in biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology.
  • Required Subfield Courses (Total 9 Hours): Three additional 5000 to 6000 level courses, one from each of the three subfields, with the approval of their Graduate Advisor.
  • Electives (Total 9 Hours): Three additional elective courses, at the 5000 level or higher, structured according to student interests with the approval of their Graduate Advisor.
  • Research: ANG 6971 - Anthropology Thesis (minimum of 3 semester hours required)
• Historical Archaeology Specialization
  • Foundational Proficiencies (Total Hours 11-19): Courses include Biological Anthropology, Principles of Archaeology, Peoples and Cultures of the World, and Archaeological Field Methods.
  • Historical Archaeology (Total Hours 15): Courses include Historical Archaeology Seminar, Historical Research Methods in Archaeology, Advanced Method and Theory in Archaeology Seminar, Policies, Practices and Archaeology in Historic Preservation, and Advanced Archaeological Field Methods.
  • History (Total Hours 9): 5000/6000 level advisor or committee-approved History courses.
  • Electives (Total Hours 9): 5000/6000 level advisor or committee-approved Anthropology, History, or area of research-related courses.
  • Research (Total Hours 3): ANG 6971 - Anthropology Thesis (minimum of 3 semester hours required)

Thesis

For their capstone, students will write a thesis paper. They will prepare a formal Thesis Proposal for their committee's approval. Theses must be approved by the Thesis Committee and successfully defended by the candidate in an open defense.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, the Department of Anthropology bases decisions on a holistic review of credentials, including:

• Undergraduate institutional GPA
• Undergraduate degree major
• Submission of a formal letter of intent describing background, study interests, and professional goals
• Submission of a writing sample
• Submission of three letters of academic reference

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Tuition Rate Per Credit Hour:
  • In-state Tuition: $377.60 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state Tuition: $1,037.24 per credit hour
• Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition: Residents of Alabama are eligible for a reduced out-of-state tuition rate.
• Military & Veterans: The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center serves as the campus advocate for military, dependents, and veteran students.
• UWF Financial Assistance: The University offers various financial aid options, including loans, scholarships, and grants for degree-seeking students.

Careers and Outcomes

A master's degree in anthropology provides graduates with a deep understanding of human cultures, societies, and behaviors, equipping them with advanced research and analytical skills. This interdisciplinary training prepares them for diverse careers, including:

• User Experience Analyst
• Archaeologist
• Public Health Advisor
• Forensic Anthropologist
• Historic Preservationist
• NAGPRA Coordinator
• Museum Curator

Research Areas

The program emphasizes multidisciplinary and collaborative study and research, with faculty specializing in terrestrial and maritime archaeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology. Research areas include prehistoric and Colonial historical archaeology, cultural and biological archaeology, industrial archaeology, and maritime field excavations and research.