The Graduate Program in Applied Anthropology at USF aims to develop creative scholars and scientists who will apply their knowledge and skills to contemporary human problems, whether as academics or practitioners. As a result, 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. 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 four course tracks: Archaeological, Biological, Cultural, or Medical Anthropology, each of which has a set of required classes and a choice of electives.
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,
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.
At the M.A. level, the Archaeology Track focuses on coursework in archaeological method and theory that prepares students for careers in cultural resource management or with public or private agencies and museums responsible for managing archaeological resources. At the Ph.D. level, the track provides advanced training and research in applied archaeological anthropology, offering preparation for both academic and practicing positions. To complement this track, we offer concentrations in Archaeological and Forensic Sciences, Cultural Resource Management, and Heritage Studies in which students at both levels may choose to take classes that focus on the practical management analysis of archaeological and cultural resources.
At the M.A. level, the Biological 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. Students in both M.A. and Ph.D. programs may opt to simultaneously pursue a concentration in Archaeological and Forensic Sciences or Biocultural Medical Anthropology by choosing elective courses from an approved list.
At the M.A. level, the Cultural Track trains students in the methods, theories, and practices of applied cultural anthropology, preparing students for careers in a variety of applied sectors, including community organization, 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. To complement this track, we offer concentrations in Biocultural Medical Anthropology, Cultural Resource Management, and Heritage Studies in which students at both levels may choose to take courses that focus on these topics.
At the M.A. level, the Medical Track offers focused training in methods and theories of applied medical anthropology, preparing students for careers in government and non-governmental health 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. Students in both M.A. and Ph.D. programs may opt to simultaneously pursue a concentration in Biocultural Medical Anthropology by choosing elective courses from an approved list.
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 ten concentrations within Public Health, or the Ph.D. in Public Health, with an M.A. in Applied Anthropology. To complement this program, we offer a concentration in Biocultural Medical Anthropology in which students at both levels may choose to take courses that focus on this topic.
Concentrations: (Optional)
The department offers four concentrations: Archaeological and Forensic Sciences, Biocultural Medical Anthropology (BCM), Cultural Resource Management (CRM), and Heritage Studies (HGS). A concentration draws individual specialized course offerings together into a focused curriculum, and the concentration is noted on the transcript. Concentrations may be declared by both Ph.D. and M.A. students, but a formal declaration is required for the program to be listed on the record.
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.