M.A. Advisor:
Ellen Marakowitz - 468 Schermerhorn Extension; 212-854-8268; [email protected]
The department offers an M.A. degree which may be pursued through full-time or part-time study. This degree is
intended for those who are interested in the field of anthropology as an
additional component to their professional careers in other fields as well as
for those who want to do graduate work in anthropology at the Master's level.
While the majority of M.A. students focus in the sociocultural field of
anthropology the program can accommodate those with an interest in archeology
or physical anthropology.
This M.A. program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in contemporary theoretical issues within the field through classes and engagement in a premier academic department of anthropology. Students work closely with faculty to create a program of study which addresses particular interests in anthropological theory and various geographic locations. The program recognizes that students come to the department with a wide array of interests so each student's program is individually tailored to meet those interests.
Graduates of this program have gone on to Ph.D. programs in anthropology and related fields and have also taken positions in research institutions and governmental and non-governmental organizations.
The program consists of 30 credits of course work and a Master's thesis. Eighteen of the thirty credits must be anthropology courses, while twelve credits may be taken outside of the field of anthropology.
Core Courses
ANTH G4201 Principles and Applications of Sociocultural Anthropology (3 points).
This is the only required course for students in the program. The rest of the course work is determined in consultation with the M.A. advisor and consists of courses within the anthropology department as well as in other departments and schools.
M.A. Thesis
The M.A. thesis is an integral part of the program. It represents a culmination for students of an intensive analysis into a particular topic. Students work with a faculty member over the course of one or two semesters to develop and write the thesis. The thesis has two readers, a primary and secondary one, and the approval of both readers is necessary for the thesis to pass. While not required, it is recommended that students take a 3 credit independent research course with their primary reader as they work on the thesis. A thesis writing seminar is also offered every other year.
Length of Program
Full time: 1 year (2 Residence Units). A full-time program would include two semesters of course work and a summer to work on the M.A. thesis project. Other options include one semester full-time and 2 semesters one-half time which allows the student to spread out the course work over a longer period.
Part time: 2-3 years (four years maximum) Students may choose their enrollment status each semester under the part-time plan.
Ellen Marakowitz ([email protected]) is the advisor for the M.A. Program. Please contact Dr. Marakowitz if you have any questions about your application. All students entering the program will work with Dr. Marakowitz as their program advisor.
See our general Graduate Applications and Admissions page, as well as the GSAS website, for information on applying to the M.A. program.
Information on cost of attendance and financial aid are available from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.