Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Anthropology Program By Cornell University |Top Universities

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Anthropology

Subject Ranking

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Program Duration

24 monthsProgram duration

Main Subject Area

AnthropologyMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Anthropology

Study Level

PHD

Graduate training in the Field of Anthropology emphasizes sociocultural anthropology, with an additional concentration in archaeological anthropology; biological anthropology is primarily an undergraduate program except under special circumstances, particularly in international nutrition. Substantively, the Field of Anthropology combines humanistic and social scientific approaches in innovative ethnographic research, emphasizing culture as a productive process and anthropologists as engaged in understanding and defending cultural diversity. Geographically, our greatest depth is in Asia (East, South and Southeast), but the Americas, Europe, and Oceania all also figure importantly. The Field of Anthropology has strong ties with all the geographic area programs, as well as faculty active in many other interdisciplinary programs, including joint appointments with Asian American Studies, Latino Studies and Women's Studies. The graduate program in anthropology is highly individualized and interdisciplinary. Only three courses and a field research proposal are required; thus, the bulk of students' work in language, area studies, or other training is individually designed in consultation with the Special Committee. Individually tailored examinations occur after approximately the first year of course work (the Qualifying Exam), the second or third year (the Admission to Candidacy, or A Exam), and after completion of the thesis (the Defense or B Exam). Most graduate students in the Field of Anthropology complete one to two years of intensive field research. All doctoral candidates are also expected to teach at some point: most students first get experience as assistants in both introductory and mid-level courses; later, many design and teach courses of their own in the Knight Writing Program. A vigorous weekly colloquium series enriches the intellectual environment for both students and faculty.

Program overview

Main Subject

Anthropology

Study Level

PHD

Graduate training in the Field of Anthropology emphasizes sociocultural anthropology, with an additional concentration in archaeological anthropology; biological anthropology is primarily an undergraduate program except under special circumstances, particularly in international nutrition. Substantively, the Field of Anthropology combines humanistic and social scientific approaches in innovative ethnographic research, emphasizing culture as a productive process and anthropologists as engaged in understanding and defending cultural diversity. Geographically, our greatest depth is in Asia (East, South and Southeast), but the Americas, Europe, and Oceania all also figure importantly. The Field of Anthropology has strong ties with all the geographic area programs, as well as faculty active in many other interdisciplinary programs, including joint appointments with Asian American Studies, Latino Studies and Women's Studies. The graduate program in anthropology is highly individualized and interdisciplinary. Only three courses and a field research proposal are required; thus, the bulk of students' work in language, area studies, or other training is individually designed in consultation with the Special Committee. Individually tailored examinations occur after approximately the first year of course work (the Qualifying Exam), the second or third year (the Admission to Candidacy, or A Exam), and after completion of the thesis (the Defense or B Exam). Most graduate students in the Field of Anthropology complete one to two years of intensive field research. All doctoral candidates are also expected to teach at some point: most students first get experience as assistants in both introductory and mid-level courses; later, many design and teach courses of their own in the Knight Writing Program. A vigorous weekly colloquium series enriches the intellectual environment for both students and faculty.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

7+
Students must have a Honor's Level BA; Honor's Level BSc.
2 Years
Jan-2000

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

0 USD
-

International Students

0 USD
-

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Cornell University offers 80 undergraduate majors and 122 minors; a few of which are interdisciplinary or dual degree programs. To give you a sense of the type of programs Cornell University offers, here’s a selection of a few of their programs:

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All students, including internationals, are required to sit the SATs (that is, even if they’ve taken A levels or the International Baccalaureate). To apply, you would also need to submit English proficiency test results. Aim to score at least 100 in the internet-based exam, or 600 in the paper based exam in your TOEFL or at least 7 in the IELTS.

Cornell University offers a wide range of interesting graduate fields of study, including:

  • Asian literature, religion and culture
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At graduate level, cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, book and supplies and room and board, ranges between US$ 29,500 and US$ 102,652. That being said, 97% of PhD students at Cornell University living on-campus receive funding covering their tuition, fees, health insurance and a stipend from the university.

 

PHD programs