Programs
B.A. Degree in Anthropology
Anthropology, the study of humans, provides students with a perspective on the nature of humankind over time and in different environments. It is concerned with humans as biological beings (biological anthropology), with prehistory and cultural evolution (archaeology) and with how humans order their worlds socially and culturally (social/cultural anthropology), as well as with the nature of human language (linguistic anthropology). The Department of Anthropology offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. Undergraduate majors are encouraged to take a wide range of courses in cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology. Anthropologists are frequently teachers and/or researchers in educational systems, or, alternatively, they may work for public and private agencies. Within these areas they may be concerned with historic or cultural resource preservation or cross-cultural and minority group relations in such areas as medicine, agriculture, tourism, and business.
Download the degree requirements for a B.A. in Anthropology
For more information, contact the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Frank Williams, Department of Anthropology, Georgia State University, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083 or visit the university's undergraduate Admissions & Degrees.
M.A. Degree in Anthropology
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program in anthropology is designed to provide rigorous training in anthropological concepts, skills, and methods. The program is dedicated to the investigation of a broad range of issues, processes, and problems that shape human social behavior and promote cultural change. The program is organized around the assumption that in order to make anthropological knowledge useful, the complexity of human problems must be understood within their sociocultural, political-economic, and historical contexts. The anthropology program utilizes Atlanta metropolitan area's resources to promote student learning and emphasizes the study of complex society and public engagement in medical, educational, and other social service settings.
Students choose one of two tracks for graduate study depending on their career goals in anthropology. The General Program is designed for students seeking comprehensive training in anthropological method and theory, perhaps in anticipation of pursuing an academic career or to enhance training in another discipline. The Applied Program provides more specialized training for a career in applied anthropology, emphasizing how anthropological knowledge can be applied to addressing contemporary social issues. In order to provide graduate students with training specific to their career goals, both tracks offer a thesis and non-thesis option.
The M.A. program is designed to be completed in two years. During the first year, all students in both the general and applied tracks are required to demonstrate competence in the basic theories and methods of anthropology through completion of a four-course core curriculum. This includes training in the use of qualitative and quantitative methods to develop critical perspectives on sociocultural issues. Additional course work is completed in consultation with the faculty. During their second year, students are expected to develop their own areas of interest and expertise within the broader framework of the program. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources in our sister program in geography, other departments and schools at Georgia State University, and of neighboring institutions such as Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, the Atlanta University Center and the Medical College of Georgia.
For more information, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Emanuela Guano, Department of Anthropology and Geography, Georgia State University, University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303-3083.
Download the degree requirements for a M.A. in Anthropology
Supplemental Application Form (pdf download)
Statement of Acceptance (pdf download)
Financial Support
The Office of Student Financial Services provides financial assistance to students who, without such help, would be unable to attend Georgia State University. The assistance available includes scholarships, grants, loans, and employment.
For more information, write: Office of Student Financial Services, P.O. Box 4040, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-4040. Phone: 404/651-2227. For related information visit Student Services.
The Department of Anthropology has a limited number of graduate assistantships that are awarded on a competitive basis. Graduate assistants support faculty members with either research projects or teaching assistantships. Tuition fees are substantially reduced with graduate assistantships.