Graduate M.A. Program

Students can specialize in archeology, biological/physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, and general anthropology. There is flexibility for students to tailor programs to fit their unique research interests.

Graduate training in anthropology at the University of Arkansas is designed for students who seek a doctoral degree as well as for students who seek the master's degree only. Entering graduate students need not have majored in anthropology as undergraduates, although they must have some prior training in physical anthropology and archeology. Students entering without this background will be required to take deficiency courses.

The Department actively encourages students to pursue the master's degree only, particularly when the student seeks training for a professional career in which the M.A. degree is most desirable. Students should be able to complete the master's program in four semesters. Students may choose one of three options to satisfy the requirements for a master's degree in anthropology.

Requirements for admission to the Graduate School include a 3.0 GPA on the most recently completed 60.0 credit hours.

Links:

Graduate School
Graduate School Handbook
Department of Anthropology Handbook

The M.A. Curriculum

Thesis
A total of 30 hours (24 course work and 6 thesis) including core courses in archeology, cultural anthropology, and physical anthropology; a graduate-level course in research methods; a thesis plan submitted to the advisory committee by the time 18 hours of graduate courses have been completed; an M.A. thesis or equivalent scholarly work; an oral examination conducted by the advisory committee.
Internship
A total of 36 hours (30 course work and 6 of internship) including the same course requirements as the thesis option; evidence of research ability; a successfully completed internship (Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies, Arkansas Archeological Survey, or other approved organization); an oral examination conducted by the advisory committee.
Non-thesis
A total of 36 semester hours including the same course requirements as the other two options; evidence of research ability; and an oral examination conducted by the advisory committee.

We recommend that students who choose options (2) and (3) develop a portfolio to help structure the oral examination process. The portfolio should include the following items:

Table of contents
Summary of graduate education, including courses taken
Career objectives
Bibliography (articles and books read during graduate program)
Samples of research papers and reports

Financial Support

Departmental graduate assistantships carry a stipend and tuition waiver. Awards are competitive, based on faculty evaluation of the academic abilities and professional promise of applicants and the teaching needs of the department. Duties include preparing and teaching courses, and assisting faculty by developing classroom activities, grading, and holding review sessions. See also the Financial Support page.

Other sources of financial support for anthropology graduate students include the following:

Arkansas Archeological Survey
King Fahd Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies
Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies (CAST)
Hourly or Work-Study
Other departments (e.g., Biological Sciences, Chemistry)

Students interested in other forms of financial assistance should contact the Office of Financial Aid, 114 Silas Hunt (479) 575-3806 or go online to http://www.uark.edu/admin/fininfo

Download Departmental Application Form

About Applying to the Anthropology Grad Program
Application Form for the Anthropology Grad Program (pdf)
Application Form for the Anthropology Grad Program (WORD)