Program: Anthropology, M.A. - McMaster University

Apr 06, 2025

School of Graduate Studies Calendar, 2013-2014

The M.A. program is intended to be holistic in scope, but students may specialize in any of the major fields of Anthropology, including Cultural, Physical, Archaeology, Anthropology of Health, and Linguistic Anthropology.

Students admitted to the M.A. program have the option of doing coursework and either writing a Major Research Paper (MRP), or writing a scholarly thesis which demonstrates ability to conduct original research. In consultation with his or her supervisor, an M.A. student must choose between these two options by January 15 of the year of initial registration as a graduate student.

Twelve months’ residence or the equivalent in part-time study is required. While students completing their M.A. by Major Research Paper can expect to fulfill all requirements within 12 months, those electing to write a thesis normally extend their period of residence to 24 months. All M.A. students are normally required to complete the department graduate research workshops.

A. M.A. with Thesis

Students who choose to write an M.A. thesis are required to take 4 half courses. Three of these courses must be selected from courses open only to graduate students (i.e. courses numbered 700). A minimum of 2 half courses should be taken in the student’s sub-discipline. The thesis must be defended in an oral examination.

B. M.A. with Major Research Paper Option

Students who choose the Major Research Paper (MRP) option are required to take six half-courses. At least 4 of these courses must be selected from courses open only to graduate students (i.e. courses numbered 700). A minimum of two half courses should be taken in the student’s sub-discipline.