Graduate Programs in Anthropology
The Graduate Program manifests the interdisciplinary and holistic aspects that constitute the twin pillars of Anthropology and form the basis of the self-identified vision of the Anthropology Department. Specific characteristics that distinguish the graduate program are briefly presented here. For more information on degree requirements, consult the latest Graduate Program and Policies and Milestones for MA and PhD students.
- The UF Anthropology Department takes pride in maintaining a holistic perspective, bridging the four traditional fields that have composed the discipline: sociocultural, archaeological, biological, and linguistic anthropology. Both graduate students and faculty conduct research that cross-cut the four-fields and extend anthropological investigations into other disciplines.
- The Department values both “academic” and “applied” research that is empirically based and theoretically and methodologically informed, including quantitative and qualitative research questions. The Department is committed to international and intercultural research and education.
- The Graduate Program is a mentoring program. Students are mentored by individual faculty (the advisor or supervisory committee chair), together with a supervisory committee chosen by the student with the advice of the advisor.
- Graduate students are expected to be in residence to attend classes, seminars, and individualized training. Distance-education graduate degrees are not offered.
- The Graduate Program emphasizes the PhD degree. Students entering the graduate program without a MA in Anthropology first enter the MA program. Upon receipt of the MA, they must be formally certified to enter the PhD program. Students entering the program with a MA degree in Anthropology may be admitted directly into the PhD program, based on the recommendation from their advisor and/or supervisory committee. (See Certification into the PhD Program)
- The Anthropology Department is highly ranked nationally in terms of the quality of research. It seeks to inculcate excellence and a high level of achievement in its graduate students. The admissions process is selective, with high expectations of success for every admitted student.
- Students are admitted to the Graduate Program based on the intellectual match with faculty interests, and they are encouraged to develop their own research initiatives rather than follow a standard curriculum. To be selected for admission, applicants should well articulate their proposed field, area of research, and research topics for advanced study, and identify faculty they would like to work with. Upon admission it is their responsibility, in consultation with their supervisory committee, to select an appropriate program of study. (See How Your Application Is Reviewed)
- The progress of each graduate student is annually evaluated by the faculty in their primary field. It is the students’ responsibility to formally report on their progress each year. (See Responsibilities of Graduate Students)
- Graduate students declare a major field of study among the four fields of anthropology, and choose a track soon after they enter the program. The three tracks are:
- specialized, in which a student focuses on one field of anthropology
- multifield, in which a student combines two of the fields of anthropology
- interdisciplinary, in which a student adds study in a second discipline to anthropology
- Students receiving graduate degrees are expected to be sufficiently well prepared intellectually and professionally for success in a wide variety of careers, even to become leaders in developing the next generation of anthropology.
- The Department seeks to offer teaching experience and resources for presenting conference papers, submitting grant proposals, conducting fieldwork, and similar activities appropriate to their professionalization.
- Graduate students are welcome to contribute to discussions in Department meetings and to serve on some Department committees.
- Specialized Programs of graduate study include:
