MA and PhD in Anthropology
Syracuse University, United States
MA and PhD in Anthropology
Syracuse University
Anthropology
Program Overview: MA and PhD in Anthropology at Syracuse University
The Anthropology Department at Syracuse University, housed within the prestigious Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, offers both MA and PhD degrees with a holistic approach to anthropology through teaching and research in archaeological, biological, cultural, and linguistic anthropology. The department encourages faculty and students to become engaged in scholarship for the public good and to seek out solutions to past, present, and future human problems locally and globally.
The MA degree emphasizes comprehensive understanding of anthropology and the articulation of its various sub-fields, requiring 30 graduate credits including core courses and qualifying examinations. PhD students build upon this foundation with an additional 42 credits, advanced research training, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation under the guidance of a five-member committee.
Students benefit from the department's deep expertise across geographic regions including Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, South Asia, and the United States. Many doctoral students also pursue a second graduate degree concurrently, with options including museum studies, international relations, public administration, or public health.
Key Program Highlights
- Holistic four-field approach covering archaeological, biological, cultural, and linguistic anthropology within the Maxwell School
- Opportunity to earn concurrent Certificates of Advanced Study or a second master's degree alongside your anthropology program
- Formal field training schools in historical archaeology offered each summer throughout Central New York and the Caribbean
- Graduate students have won competitive external awards from Fulbright, Wenner-Gren, NSF, Rockefeller, and the American Institute of Indian Studies
Curriculum and Modules
The curriculum is designed to expose students to the breadth of anthropology before engaging in more narrowly defined scholarly studies and doctoral research topics. MA students complete at least five core courses, including a two-course sequence within their subdiscipline, while PhD students pursue advanced coursework, position papers, and independent dissertation research.
History of Anthropological Theory
3A comprehensive examination of theoretical issues of the past two decades, including feminism and anthropology, reflexive and interpretive ethnography, sociobiology versus culturology, and Marxist anthropology.
Contemporary Theory in Archaeology
3An in-depth examination of contemporary theory in archaeology and its application to archaeological research, focusing on processual, post-processual, structural, and symbolic approaches.
Ethnographic Methods and Research Design
3Training in qualitative and quantitative methods of social science research, equipping students with the skills to design and carry out significant anthropological fieldwork.
Cultural Anthropology Core Sequence (ANT 611-711)
6A two-course sequence for cultural anthropology students covering foundational and advanced topics in ethnology, social theory, and comparative cultural analysis.
Advanced Field Methods in Archaeology
6Hands-on field training course required for archaeology students, providing practical experience in excavation techniques, documentation, and material analysis at active archaeological sites.
Doctoral Dissertation Research
VariableIndependent research under the supervision of a five-member dissertation committee, culminating in the production of a doctoral dissertation that demonstrates a significant contribution to anthropological knowledge.
Elective and Specialization Options
Admission Requirements
The Anthropology Department at Syracuse University encourages students from various academic backgrounds to apply, including those with degrees in fields such as public health, history, psychology, biology, and more. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of your academic record, references, writing sample, and personal statement of interest.
Academic Requirements
- Degree RequirementBachelor's degree (MA) or Master's degree (PhD) from an accredited institution or international equivalent
- GRE ScoresStrongly recommended but not required; required for University Fellowship nomination
- Writing SampleA representative sample of recent academic work such as a term paper, thesis chapter, or book review
- Personal StatementA thoughtful essay demonstrating how anthropology at Syracuse relates to your academic goals and research interests
- Letters of RecommendationThree letters of reference from academic or professional recommenders
English Language Requirements
- TOEFLMinimum score of 90 (iBT)
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.5
- Duolingo English TestAccepted as an alternative; contact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Most graduate students in the Department of Anthropology have received full or partial funding through fellowships, graduate assistantships, scholarships, and research grants from the department, Graduate School, Maxwell Dean's Office, and various research centers and institutes. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on available funding opportunities and application strategies.
Syracuse University Fellowship
Stipend plus full tuition coverageAwarded to outstanding incoming doctoral students on a competitive basis, the University Fellowship provides a generous stipend for nine months of full-time study plus a tuition scholarship. GRE scores are required for nomination.
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Stipend plus tuition per semesterNine-month teaching assistantships are available for up to two years for MA students and four years for PhD students, providing a per-semester stipend along with full tuition coverage.
Claudia DeLys Scholarship in Cultural Anthropology
Varies (2-3 awards annually)An endowed fund providing support for field research leading to the PhD degree, dissertation writing, and pre-dissertation fieldwork. Two or three awards are made annually to qualifying doctoral students.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Syracuse University Anthropology program pursue diverse careers across academia, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. The program's emphasis on both quantitative and qualitative research methods, combined with deep regional expertise, prepares graduates for impactful roles in research, policy, and applied fields.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employing Organizations
Rankings and Recognition
Syracuse University is a well-established private research university founded in 1870, home to more than 20,000 enrolled students from over 123 countries. The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, which houses the Anthropology Department, is nationally recognized for its graduate programs in public affairs and the social sciences.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | THE Subject Rankings | #401-500 |
| Social Sciences and Management | QS Subject Rankings | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Public Affairs (Maxwell School) | U.S. News & World Report | #1 |
| Architecture and Built Environment | QS Subject Rankings | #151-200 |
How to Apply
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Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
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Submit Your Application
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Receive Your Offer
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