Graduate

The Graduate Programs in Applied Anthropology at USF aim to develop creative scholars and scientists who will apply their knowledge and skills to contemporary human problems, whether as academics or practitioners. The department offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Applied Anthropology, through which students learn the fundamentals of the four subfields of anthropology, their links with one another, and their relation to other academic disciplines. While appreciating such interdisciplinary ties, students in both degree programs follow one of three course tracks: Cultural, Biological, or Archaeology, which each has required and elective classes.

USF is affordable!

Some graduate assistantships are offered at both M.A. and Ph.D. levels (see Financial Assistance and Scholarships). However, even without an assistantship, USF Anthropology can be surprisingly affordable. The Academic Common Market allows residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia to apply for in-state Florida tuition (among the very lowest in the nation), if the specific degree is not offered in their home states. Because Applied Anthropology is a relatively rare degree, many students have successfully applied for the program. For full details and application procedures, go to http://www.sreb.org/programs/acm/acmindex.asp.

In addition, out-of-state students (except for international students) may pursue Florida residency, making them eligible for in-state tuition after one year.

Cultural Track:

At the M.A. level, this track trains students in the methods, theories, and practices of applied cultural anthropology, preparing them for careers in a variety of applied sectors, including community organization, public health care and delivery, rural or urban planning, economic development, heritage management, education, private-sector consulting and research, and work with non-governmental organizations. At the doctoral level, students receive more advanced training and research experience, and will be prepared for both academic and practicing positions. Students in both M.A. and Ph.D. programs may also opt to simultaneously pursue a concentration in Biocultural Medical Anthropology, by choosing elective courses from an approved list.

Archaeology Track:

At the M.A. level, this track focuses on coursework in archaeological method and theory that prepares students for careers in cultural resources management or with public and private agencies and museums responsible for managing archaeological resources. At the doctoral level, the track provides advanced training and research in applied archaeological anthropology, offering preparation for both academic and practicing positions. Students in both M.A. and Ph.D. programs may also opt to simultaneously pursue a Concentration in Cultural Resource Management, in which students take classes that focus on the practical management of cultural and archaeological resources.

Biological Track:

At the M.A. level this track offers focused training in methods and theories of applied biological anthropology, preparing students for careers in government and non-governmental agencies, community-based organizations, and medical fields. At the doctoral level, students receive more advanced training and research experience, and will be prepared for both academic and practicing positions.

Dual Degree:

We collaborate with the USF College of Public Health to offer a dual degree program, in which students can earn an M.A. or Ph.D. in Applied Anthropology along with the Masters of Public Health (M.P.H.) in one of eight concentrations within Public Health, or the Ph.D. in Public Health, with an M.A. in Applied Anthropology.

Concentrations:

The department offers optional concentrations in Biocultural Medical Anthropology, Cultural Resource Management, and Heritage Studies. A concentration draws individual specialized course offerings together into a focused curriculum. The concentration appears on the student's official academic transcript.

Any of the concentrations may be declared by both Ph.D. and M.A. students. Taking courses that fulfill a concentration does not automatically register a student for it. Students may declare the concentration upon application, or may decide to fulfill it during their course of study. Either way, students must be sure to let their advisor and the Program Assistant know that they would like to participate in the concentration by completing this form.

Graduate studies in Applied Anthropology at USF are unique, when compared with traditional graduate programs in Anthropology. At USF, we balance world-class training in theory and method with practice. Doing so places applied research—conceived and carried out with the communities where we work—at the core of graduate studies. We see this as a distinct advantage for our graduates, since it links academically rigorous scholarship with practical, first-hand experience, while providing opportunities for professional collaboration, networking, and funding.