M.A. in Anthropology

http://www.as.miami.edu/anthropology/

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

1.  Two of the four core graduate seminars in professional practice and theoretical foundations (total of 6 credits);

2.  At least one course in anthropological research methods (3-9 credits);

3. 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. (This will entail 3 credits beyond the normal required non-anthropology coursework.)

Academic Standing

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

For more information, please consult the Department of Anthropology web site: http://www.as.miami.edu/anthropology/ 

For inquiries regarding graduate school policies, please consult: https://www.grad.miami.edu/ 

Admission Requirements

All applicants will be selected for admission based on:

Transcripts

1. Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended, and the date the bachelor's degree was awarded must show on the awarding institution's transcript. 
2. Transcripts must show a 3.0 GPA in anthropology and no less than 3.0 for the overall GPA. 
3. 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

1. A personal statement in which the applicant details reasons for pursuing an MA in our program specifically.  Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact department faculty and determine whether/how their proposed research aligns with desired faculty mentor's research program.
2. 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)

1. 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

Non-Thesis Option

¹

Students in the Thesis Option must take a combination of APY 611, APY 702, and APY 810 for a total of 21 credits with no fewer than 3 and no more than 9 credits in any one of the courses.  

Students in the Non-Thesis Option must take APY 611 and APY 702 for a total of 12 credits with no fewer than 3 and no more than 9 credits in either of the courses.

²

Nine graduate-level credits outside of Anthropology (mandatory) – These may be from a suggested list of electives and/or may be designed as a graduate cognate by the student with guidance from the advisor.

³

Language (mandatory) – demonstrated competency in the language of the country in which the applicant will work. 

⁴

A written thesis with an open defense is required.  Students may choose their thesis committee which must include at least three faculty members, including one from outside anthropology. Thesis requirements  will conform to the University of Miami's standards and format. 

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

NON-THESIS TRACK

Goals

It is the goal of this program and our department to produce professional Anthropologists with the highest caliber skill set and tools for critical thinking, problem solving, and written and oral communication skills for persons in the discipline and with nonspecialists in other settings.

Student Learning Outcomes

• The student will demonstrate advanced knowledge and theoretical foundation in any of the four subfields of anthropology.
• The students will demonstrate professional communication skills (written and oral) in their subfield or discipline.
• The student will develop a set of teaching materials in anthropology (optional).