Anthropology (PhD, MA)

Program Overview

The Department of Anthropology offers Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs in anthropology, as well as a Master of Science (MS) degree program in biomedical anthropology. Students will be exposed to all four traditional subfields of anthropology: archaeology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology and social/cultural anthropology. Along with core courses, students are also encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary research areas. Prospective students should explore the faculty research areas to see if interests align.

A track in public archaeology is also available within the MA program. This professional program is intended to train students to attain positions within industry. This is a popular program for students interested in working for museums or in cultural resource management for government agencies.

Degrees Offered

  • PhD in Anthropology
  • MA in Anthropology: Public Archaeology
  • MA in Anthropology

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Our program’s central objective is to train students in the development of original research design, and to communicate findings in publishable papers. Faculty and students develop close working relationships. Independent study is encouraged and closely guided through academic advising.

Our department hosts a summer session class called the Archaeology Field School program, where students have the opportunity to earn credit as well as gain practical field experience. Outings in 2014 included excavation training and scientific analysis techniques at a historic 17th Century estate in New York. Binghamton University also boasts the Public Archaeology Facility, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country.

The Career Resource Library is available as a tool for students to learn how to use anthropological skills in industry, business, management and health research; how to teach anthropology; careers as independent consultants; ethnographic research; preparing to become an applied anthropologist; and the nature of anthropological fieldwork.

After You Graduate

MA graduates are prepared to be instructors at community colleges or pursue doctoral studies. Recent doctoral graduates are employed in positions at the New York State Department of Health, the National Geographic Society, Museum of International Folk Art, Purdue University and the University of Tennessee.

Admission Requirements

Funding/Scholarships

There are many funding and scholarship opportunities at Binghamton. We encourage prospective students to review available program-specific scholarships and awards, and visit the program's website for additional information. PhD students who are registered and/or certified full-time will receive a scholarship that covers the cost of broad-based fees (this does not include international student fees). Note: Master's students are generally self-funded, although funding opportunities occasionally arise.

Accelerated/4+1 Degrees

You may also be interested in our accelerated/4+1 degree programs which allow students to complete their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just 5 years!