Anthropology MS

The primary focus of the anthropology graduate program is the doctoral degree. A master's degree is awarded in the process of pursuing the Ph.D., but students are not admitted for the sole purpose of obtaining a master's degree.

At the master's level, it is expected that candidates will begin to gain professional competence in a specialized field and will have the opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of interests within that field.

Programs for the master's degree in anthropology are intended to build professional competence in the field of concentration. Thorough undergraduate preparation is assumed. Basic training in archaeology, biological anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology, taken as an undergraduate major in anthropology, is recommended. Specific requirements vary for each concentration. Students are encouraged to consult Graduate Studies in Anthropology for details on requirements for each concentration.

Concentrations within the major are available in archaeology, social and cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, or an intersectional degree track (see description below).

All programs assume that candidates have had general undergraduate training in the discipline equivalent to that required of an undergraduate major at UWMadison. See Anthropology.

INTERSECTIONAL DEGREE TRACK

Occasionally students have special interests that can be pursued only through a combined program involving two or more of the sub disciplines within the program. Examples might include paleoanthropology, ethno archaeology, or biocultural anthropology. The department thus offers an intersectional degree track as an option for these special cases. Interested students should write a carefully prepared statement of intent at the time of application to graduate school. This area of study may take longer to complete, and it is strongly suggested that students who are interested in an intersectional program begin in one of the three major sections prior to making this commitment. Admission to the intersectional program requires prior approval by faculty in each section, and students should contact appropriate faculty before writing their statement.

This masters program is offered for work leading to the Ph.D. Students may not apply directly for the master's, and should instead see the admissions information for the Ph.D

1. Articulates, critiques, or elaborates the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry or schools of practice in either biological, archaeological, or cultural anthropology.
2. Identifies relevant data and assembles evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in one of the three subfields of anthropology taught in this department.
3. Demonstrates understanding of the primary field of study in historical, social, or global/transnational contexts as revealed in the qualifying exam.
4. Selects and/or utilizes the most appropriate methodologies and practices in the sub-discipline.
5. Evaluates or synthesizes information pertaining to questions or challenges in one of the three subfields of anthropology taught in this department.
6. Communicates clearly in ways appropriate to the field of study.
7. Follows ethical principles of the discipline including respect and sensitivity to host cultures and communities, inclusiveness and diversity, civility and collegiality, and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.