Anthropology, M.A.

The M.A. program is intended to be holistic in scope, but students may specialize in any of the major fields of Anthropology, including Socio-cultural, Biological, Archaeology and Health.

Students admitted to the M.A. program have the option of doing coursework and then 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 required to complete the Professional Development Workshop in the first 12 months of their program.

A. M.A. with Thesis

Students who choose to write an M.A. thesis are required to take four half courses. Three 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. The Professional Development Workshop is mandatory for first year MA and Ph.D. graduate students. It results in a Pass/Fail at the end of the first year. 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 four of these courses must be selected from courses open only to graduate students (i.e. courses numbered 700). The Professional Development Workshop is mandatory for first year MA and Ph.D. graduate students. It results in a Pass/Fail at the end of the first year. A minimum of two half courses should be taken in the student’s sub-discipline.