M.A. in Anthropology

Tuition Fee

Not Available

Start Date

Not Available

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

18 months

Details

Program Details

Degree

Masters

Major

Cultural Studies | Anthropology | Sociology

Area of study

Social Sciences

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

About Program

Program Overview

Overview

The Department of Anthropology offers a Master of Arts degree in the Professional Practice of Anthropology. The program offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas:

Applied archaeology: Cultural heritage management (cultural resource management), including museum management for archaeological collections.
Applied biological anthropology: Analysis and identification of human remains; museum management of human skeletal/dental remains; applied primatology.
Applied cultural anthropology: Medical anthropology, anthropology in public health and allied fields, and applied ethnography for industrial/private/government sectors.

Degree Requirements

The aim of the curriculum is to give graduates the skill sets needed to design and conduct anthropological research/fieldwork for their employers or as a component of independent research-driven careers. Graduate students have two degree options. Both thesis and non-thesis options require a minimum of 36 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree and 18 months in residency.

Basic Coursework, Common to Both Options

Two of the four core graduate seminars in professional practice and theoretical foundations (total of 6 credits);
At least one course in anthropological research methods (3-9 credits);
At least one course in anthropological field studies, potentially fulfilled via internship (3-9 credits).

Option 1 - Thesis

Requires a written thesis with an open defense guided by an advisor and committee chosen in consultation with the anthropology faculty. The committee for the thesis must include at least three faculty members, including one from outside anthropology. A minimum of 18 months in residency is also required for this option. Thesis requirements will conform to the University of Miami's standards and format.

Option 2 - Non-Thesis

Requires 9 credits of elective coursework within anthropology and a paper for presentation at a conference and/or for publication in a professional venue.

GIS Certification, available for both options

In cooperation with the Department of Geography and Regional Studies, students may obtain a GIS certificate by completing a specific 12-credit sequence in the Department of Geography and Regional Studies.

Academic Standing

Graduate students are expected to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0.

Admission Requirements

All applicants will be selected for admission based on:

Transcripts

Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended, and the date the bachelor's degree was awarded must show on the awarding institution's transcript.
Transcripts must show a 3.0 GPA in anthropology and no less than 3.0 for the overall GPA.
Students with lower averages may be admitted provisionally with higher than minimum GRE scores and supporting materials from referees on a case-by-case basis.

Personal Statement

A personal statement in which the applicant details reasons for pursuing an MA in our program specifically.
A cogent written statement will be used in evaluating the applicants’ ability for written expression, as well as their fit with our strengths and offerings.

GRE (optional)

While there is no GRE requirement, students can submit GRE scores if they choose.

Part Time Admission

Returning students or practicing professional anthropologists who seek continuing education to better their skill set while enhancing their opportunities for advancement in the field may apply. Nondegree-seeking students and/or part-time students will be considered by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis.

Curriculum Requirements

Thesis Option

Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours
- Core Courses
  - Complete 2 of the following: | 6
    - APY 601 | Advanced Seminar in Archaeology, Theory and Practice
    - APY 602 | Advanced Seminar in Cultural Anthropology
    - APY 603 | Advanced Seminar in Biological Anthropology
    - APY 604 | Advanced Seminar in Linguistic Anthropology
- Research Methods, Field Studies and Thesis | 21
  - APY 611 | Methods of Anthropological Research
  - APY 702 | Field Studies in Anthropology
  - APY 810 | Master's Degree Thesis Preparation and Writing
- Non APY Course Requirement | 9
- Foreign Language Competency
- Thesis Defense
- Total Credit Hours | 36

Non-Thesis Option

Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours
- Core Courses
  - Complete 2 of the following: | 6
    - APY 601 | Advanced Seminar in Archaeology, Theory and Practice
    - APY 602 | Advanced Seminar in Cultural Anthropology
    - APY 603 | Advanced Seminar in Biological Anthropology
    - APY 604 | Advanced Seminar in Linguistic Anthropology
- Research Methods and Field Studies | 12
  - APY 611 | Methods of Anthropological Research
  - APY 702 | Field Studies in Anthropology
- APY Graduate Electives | 9
- Non APY Course Requirement | 9
- Foreign Language Competency
- Total Credit Hours | 36

Sample Plan of Study

This is a model plan of study only. It is not guaranteed that every course will be available in the year/semester noted below.

THESIS TRACK

Plan of Study Grid Year One

Fall | Credit Hours
- APY 603 | Advanced Seminar in Biological Anthropology | 3
- APY 611 | Methods of Anthropological Research | 3
- Non APY Elective
- Credit Hours | 6
Spring
- APY 601 | Advanced Seminar in Archaeology, Theory and Practice | 3
- APY 702 | Field Studies in Anthropology | 3
- Non APY Elective
- Credit Hours | 6 Year Two
Fall
- APY 611 | Methods of Anthropological Research | 3
- APY 810 | Master's Degree Thesis Preparation and Writing | 3
- Non APY Elective
- Credit Hours | 6
Spring
- APY 611 | Methods of Anthropological Research | 3
- APY 702 | Field Studies in Anthropology | 3
- APY 810 | Master's Degree Thesis Preparation and Writing | 3
- Credit Hours | 9
- Total Credit Hours | 27

NON-THESIS TRACK