Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in the field of Anthropology

Rice University

United States of America, Houston

University Rank:#119

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Duration5 year(s)

Tuition Fee

USD 52,070 / Year

Apply DateAugust 15, 2026

Next IntakeAugust 22, 2026

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in the field of Anthropology

About

MA and PhD Degrees in the field of Anthropology

Upon completing the MA and PhD degrees in the field of Anthropology, students will be able to:

Excel at professions within and outside the academy that emphasize research, analytic, and writing skills.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the history of the discipline as well as anthropological theory and practice.
Utilize the key methodological, theoretical, and analytical skills at the heart of the discipline and become skilled producers of anthropological knowledge, able to critique actively and reconfigure canonical approaches to social science.
Apply research and analytical skills to original research questions and case studies to produce innovative approaches to anthropological knowledge and intervene effectively in both disciplinary discussions and wider sociocultural debates.
Conduct responsible, ethical research with interlocutors and consultants in a world of increasingly complex interplay between small-scale and large-scale concerns and commitments.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

MA and PhD Degrees in field of Anthropology

department seeks applicants to PhD program with a defined research interest in sociocultural anthropology; an undergraduate background in anthropology is desirable, but not required. Entering students will devise a detailed first-year plan of study with provisional plans for succeeding years in consultation with a faculty advisory committee. plan will emphasize broad training in discipline before eventual definition of a thesis research project.

MA Degree Program

MA degree is a thesis master’s degree. For general university requirements, please see Thesis Master’s Degrees. regulations, and procedures for all graduate programs, please see All Graduate Students. Although students are not normally admitted to study for an MA in social-cultural area of specialization, graduate students may earn a terminal MA degree in field of Anthropology with approval of their faculty committee and by completing:

30 semester hours of approved coursework.
Two qualifying exams or two qualifying essays required for PhD candidacy.
A thesis which meets standards of student's PhD candidacy committee.

PhD Degree in field of Anthropology

PhD Degree Program

For general university requirements, please see Doctoral Degrees. For additional requirements, regulations, and procedures for all graduate programs, please see All Graduate Students. Students pursuing PhD degree program in Anthropology with social-cultural specialization must:

Complete required coursework: 90 semester hours of graduate study (undergraduate courses, including language courses, do not satisfy this requirement).
Complete 6 Required Courses (58 credit hours) listed below.
Complete 4 additional courses (52 credit hours) as electives in Department of Anthropology (either ANTH 500-level or ANTH 600-level).
Prior to achieving candidacy, successfully complete an end-of-year report. Students will write a 2-3 page (double-spaced) summary of their achievements for year and consult with a faculty panel at end of each spring semester.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 90

English Program Requirements

The English Language Proficiency Requirement may be waived for an international student who received a degree from an institution in which English is the official language of communication. Contact the admitting program for more information.

The following language proficiency tests are accepted by Rice graduate programs and will be used to assess English language proficiency. Please note the below scores are the minimum requirement, though some program requirements will be higher.

The TOEFL IBT Home. A minimum score of 90 is required
IELTS Indicator. A minimum score of 7 is required.
Duolingo. A minimum score of 115 is required.

Fee Information

Application Fee 75

How to Apply

1. Find your graduate program(s) of interest and submit an interest form. Click here for a listing of schools and departments.
2. Research the cost of study and available financial support. Qualified doctoral students often receive tuition waivers and a generous stipend.
3. Look at our facts and stats on admissions, enrollment and degrees awarded.
4. Learn more about research at Rice.
5. Find out what living in Houston is like.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in the field of Anthropology

Rice University

United States of America, Houston

Go to Official Website