Department of Anthropology

Programs

Degrees: B.A., B.S., M.A., Ph.D.

Minimum Requirements: B.A, B.S.: 133 credits; M.A.: 30 credits; Ph.D.: 18 thesis credits

Undergraduate Degree Programs: B.A. and B.S.

The anthropology program offers a balanced and flexible program of academic courses and research opportunities in the four subfields of anthropology—cultural anthropology, archaeology. linguistic anthropology and physical anthropology—particularly with respect to the past and present cultures of the North.

B.A. and B.S. students will acquire a basic understanding of the discipline of anthropology in its four subfields, including their various perspectives on culture, society, and human development through time. They will furthermore develop an understanding of methods of anthropological data gathering and analysis, and of the practical applications of these.

Graduate Programs: M.A. and Ph.D.

UAF's graduate program in Anthropology offers study in the four subfields of anthropology: social/cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and biological anthropology.

The Master's degree program prepares students to: (1) pursue more advanced training leading to a PhD in anthropology, (2) teach anthropology within secondary education and/or undergraduate levels of higher education, or (3) pursue career positions in various levels of government and business in which anthropological training and/or expertise is beneficial.

The primary focus of the PhD program is study of the prehistory, history and contemporary world of the people and cultures of the circumpolar North. Students may concentrate on any of the four subfields of anthropology (some research in biological anthropology does not focus on the North).

M.A. students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of their subfield of concentration including its history, current theoretical perspectives, and research methodologies. They will furthermore be able to write fundable research proposals and produce professional reports andlor publishable papers and/or museum projects. Students will be able to independently design and conduct archival, laboratory and/or field research.

Ph.D. students will further develop and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their subfield of concentration including its history, current theoretical perspectives, and research methodologies, as well as an in-depth understanding of topics directly related to their planned research project. They will furthermore be able to write fundable research proposals and produce professional reports, publishable papers, and books. Students will be able to independently design and conduct archival, laboratory and/or field research.

Employment and Funding for Students
We have been able to offer Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships, and Student Worker positions to 10 to 15 students per year. Several of the Teaching Assistants employed by the department have been given the opportunity to teach classes.  Please go to the Graduate Program link above for more information about funding opportunities.