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.

Degree Overview:

) The Master of Arts in Anthropology (M.A.) at the University of West Florida (UWF) is designed to prepare students for a wide range of professional and academic opportunities in anthropology. With a focus on the integration of theory and practice, the program provides a strong foundation in the three major subfields of anthropology: cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology.

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Objectives:

• To develop advanced knowledge and skills in anthropological research methods, theory, and analysis
• To provide opportunities for specialized research and training in cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, or archaeology
• To prepare students for careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, or the private sector
• To foster a commitment to ethical and responsible research and practice

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Program Description:

UWF's M.A. in Anthropology program offers two specializations:

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Anthropology

This track provides a broad foundation in the three major subfields of anthropology, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their specific interests and career goals. Students complete coursework in each subfield and choose electives from a wide range of topics.

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Historical Archaeology

This track is designed for students with a strong interest in the archaeology of the post-Columbus period. Students complete coursework in historical research methods in archaeology, cultural resource management, and three electives, as well as thesis research.

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Outline:

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Core Courses (12 credit hours)

• ANG 6002: Proseminar in Anthropology
• ANG 6093: Research Design in Anthropology
• ANG 6824: Advanced Archaeological Field Methods
• Electives (6 credit hours)

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Specialization Courses

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Anthropology

• Minimum of two courses in each of the three subfields (cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeology)

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Historical Archaeology

• ANG 5172: Historical Archaeology Seminar
• ANG 6272: Cultural Resource Management
• ANG 6274: Historical Research Methods in Archaeology
• Electives (3 credit hours)

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Thesis

All M.A. students complete a thesis, which involves original research and writing.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Coursework grades
• Research papers and presentations
• Fieldwork reports
• Thesis
• Oral and written examinations

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Teaching:

The program's faculty are active researchers and scholars with expertise in a wide range of anthropological subfields. They use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, field trips, and research projects. The program also emphasizes experiential learning through internships, research opportunities, and fieldwork.

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Careers:

Graduates of the M.A. in Anthropology program are qualified for a variety of careers, including:

• Academia:
Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities
• Government:
Research and policy positions in agencies such as the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Environmental Protection Agency
• Non-profit organizations:
Research, education, and outreach positions at organizations such as museums, historical societies, and cultural centers
• Private sector:
Research and consulting positions in fields such as environmental impact assessment, cultural resource management, and forensic anthropology

University of West Florida

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Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.