Anthropology (M.A.)
Admission Requirements
Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. Additionally, applicants must satisfy the following:
- The student must have completed ANT 1100 (Introduction to Anthropology) or its equivalent. Admission may be granted while this deficiency is remedied.
- The student must submit three letters of recommendation.
- The student must submit a letter of intent outlining his/her research interests and intentions in the field of anthropology, so that the Department may determine if the student’s goals are compatible with its available expertise. The student may also mention any life history experience which may be helpful in the decision to admit.
- A writing sample such as a research paper for a previous course.
- The student may arrange for his/her Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores to be sent to the department if he or she wishes.
- The student must have an undergraduate grade point average (g.p.a.) of at least 3.2. Admission may be granted in exceptional cases where the grade point average is less than 3.2. Admission is contingent upon g.p.a., GRE scores (if applicable), recommendations, the compatibility of research and educational goals with Departmental resources, and the availability of openings in programs with high demand.
- All applications and admissions material must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions by the following deadlines: October 1 for admittance to the Winter Semester, and January 15 for admittance in the following Fall Semester.
AGRADE Program (B.A to M.A)
The Department of Anthropology offers the Accelerated Graduate Enrollment (AGRADE) Program provides the opportunity for top students to enroll simultaneously in an undergraduate and graduate program. The AGRADE allows qualified full-time students to complete the Master’s degree in Anthropology usually within one year of their undergraduate degree.
Students can apply a maximum of 16 credits towards both an undergraduate and a graduate degree in the student's major field. Students electing AGRADE programs may expect to complete the bachelor's and master's degrees in five years of full-time study.
Students must apply for an AGRADE program during the semester that they earn 90 credits toward an undergraduate degree – typically during junior year. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA at the cum laude level (20th percentile, or a minimum of 3.5) and not less than a 3.6 GPA in the major courses already completed.
Program Requirements
Students pursuing the M.A. in anthropology have two options, referred to as Plans B and C, below.
ANT 7005 is required for all first-year graduate students.
Students must file a plan of work prior to the completion of twelve credits and must petition the Graduate Committee for any exceptions to the M.A. requirements.
The following courses, or their equivalents, must be completed either as an undergraduate (see note below) or graduate student.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core 1 | 15 | |
| Biology and Culture | ||
| Concepts and Techniques in Archaeology | ||
| Language and Societies | ||
| Applied Anthropology | ||
| Proseminar in Anthropology I | ||
| Methods Options | ||
| Select one of the following (in consultation with advisor): | 4 | |
| Anthropological Methods | ||
| Field Work in Archaeology of the Americas | ||
| Electives | 12 | |
| Select four additional courses (at least one anthropology seminar at the 7000 level) in consultation with advisor: | ||
ANT 7xxx - Seminar | ||
Elective | ||
Elective | ||
Elective | ||
| Graduation Requirements | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Synthesis (Plan C) 2 | ||
| Master's Essay Direction (Plan B) 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 34 | |
- 1
Students entering the M.A. program with a B.A. from WSU who have completed any of the core courses for undergraduate credit (with a grade of ‘B’ or better) do not need to repeat them, however, they must replace the credits with any other ANT 5000 or higher level course chosen in consultation with their advisor.
- 2
ANT 7900 is an integrative, holistic and comparative course that synthesizes diverse analytical perspectives and methodologies.
- 3
The M.A. essay, ANT 7999, is a shorter piece of independent work (often 30-60 pages double-spaced) and intended to be written within a single term.
Academic Scholarship: All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Additional information regarding this program is available from the department upon request.
AGRADE Program (Accelerated Graduate Enrollment)
This program enables qualified seniors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to enroll simultaneously in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the College. Students may apply for the AGRADE Program during the term in which they will complete ninety credits; to qualify, students must have cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher. For more details about the AGRADE Program, contact the Academic Advisor in the Anthropology Department.