2009-2010 University Catalog 
  
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2009-2010 University Catalog

Anthropology, MA

Banner Code:  LA-MA-ANTH

The master’s degree program in anthropology prepares students for advanced work in anthropology through courses focusing on the study of culture. Students learn how to use participant-observation field work methods, as well as comparative and holistic knowledge and research methods. Areas of emphasis are advanced training in sociocultural anthropology; culture, health and bioethics; and transnational and global issues. Course work progresses from core courses to more advanced courses and culminates in a thesis.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Application Requirements

In addition to fulfilling the applications requirements for graduate study at Mason, applicants for this degree must submit:

  • Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or others who can evaluate the applicant’s academic potential. If possible, at least one letter should be from an academic setting.
  • 1,000-word writing sample, such as an essay or full-length research paper
  • A current résumé

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing the master’s degree in anthropology must successfully complete 36 credits. They may take ANTH 690 - Internship as elective credit. An internship can serve as a primary field research site for the thesis.  Courses in archaeology and biological anthropology may not be used to meet any requirements for the master’s degree in anthropology.

Six required core courses (16 credits):

Five elective courses (14 credits)

Electives should be advanced courses in anthropology chosen in consultation with an advisor.  Students can focus their electives around an emphasis in these three areas: advanced training in sociocultural anthropology; culture, health and bioethics; and transnational and global issues. Up to six credits may be from other disciplines with the prior written approval of the graduate director.

Six credits of proposal and thesis

Total: 36 credits