Program Overview

Anthropology, PhD: Cultural

The emphasis in the Graduate Program is on training candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This degree certifies that, in addition to having a sound knowledge of anthropology as a whole, the holder has been trained to do independent research at a professional level of competence in at least one of the major sub-disciplines of anthropology: archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, or linguistic anthropology.

Required Courses

A minimum of 12 course units must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.

• Core Requirements: 5
  • ANTH 6000: Contemporary Archaeology in Theory
  • ANTH 6020: Evolutionary Anthropology
  • ANTH 6030: Language in Culture and Society
  • ANTH 6010: Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Culture and Society
  • ANTH 6550: Methods and Grantwriting for Anthropological Research
• Concentration Requirements: 13
• Teaching Requirement: Four semesters of teaching are required.
• Language Requirement: Students are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge of one foreign language used in written source material or scientific literature relevant to the student's professional career.
• Total Course Units: 18

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

• Qualifying Evaluation
• Candidacy Examination
• Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam
• Dissertation Deposit

Sample Plan of Study

• First Year:
  • Core Courses:
    • ANTH 6000: Contemporary Archaeology in Theory
    • ANTH 6020: Evolutionary Anthropology
    • ANTH 6030: Language in Culture and Society
    • ANTH 6010: Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Culture and Society
    • ANTH 6550: Methods and Grantwriting for Anthropological Research
  • Basic Courses in Area of Specialization
  • Comprehensive Examination (spring)
• Second Year:
  • Specialized courses, seminars, tutorials
  • Grant writing course
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Completion of Language Exam (fall or spring)
• Third Year:
  • Completion of course requirements
  • Apply for dissertation research grants
  • Oral Examination & submission of Dissertation Proposal
  • Teaching Assistant
• Fourth Year:
  • Dissertation Research
• Fifth Year:
  • Dissertation Research, Writing, and Submission
• Sixth Year (if necessary):
  • Dissertation Writing and Submission

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.