Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology

KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Doctorate in Anthropology Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the anthropology PhD program will:

• Develop advanced knowledge of major theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches in anthropology.
• Design and conduct independent, original research that contributes new knowledge to anthropological scholarship.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze anthropological data using appropriate qualitative, quantitative, or laboratory-based methods.
• Communicate complex research findings effectively through scholarly writing, conference presentations, and professional engagement.
• Apply anthropological knowledge to interdisciplinary research and real-world challenges in areas such as cultural heritage, human evolution, and social systems.
• Demonstrate professional skills necessary for careers in research, teaching, and applied anthropology.

What Careers are Possible with a Doctorate in Anthropology?

Earning a PhD in anthropology prepares graduates for careers in academic research, teaching, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, museums, and private-sector research. Graduates of anthropology PhD programs often apply their expertise in cultural analysis, archaeological research, biological anthropology, and social science methodology. According to Lightcast data, professionals with a doctorate in anthropology may pursue roles such as:

• University Professor
• Museum Curator
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Forensic Anthropologist
• International Development Specialist
• Corporate Anthropologist

Tuition and Financial Aid

KU is committed to fully funding all PhD students in anthropology for at least four years. Funding packages typically include teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships that cover tuition and provide a living stipend. Prospective students are encouraged to clearly indicate interest in departmental financial support in their personal statement.

For detailed information on tuition and financial aid, visit KU Financial Aid.

Admission Requirements

To apply for the PhD in anthropology program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• A master’s degree in anthropology or a related field is preferred (exceptional students may enter directly with a bachelor’s degree), including official transcripts
• A resume/CV
• A writing sample of your best academic work
• A personal statement describing your academic objectives and professional goals that clearly indicates the disciplinary track of interest and describes your intended research agenda.
• Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or others with whom you have worked and who know your work well
• Two KU Anthropology faculty members must be identified who could serve as the applicant’s primary and secondary advisors.
  • Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the faculty members prior to applying to establish interest and determine whether they would be a good fit with the advisors’ research expertise.

For detailed admission policies, visit KU Anthropology.

Student Life and Learning Experiences

Doctoral students in KU’s anthropology PhD program have access to an exceptional range of specialized research facilities that support scholarship across all three subdisciplines.

The KU Anthropological Genetics group maintains three laboratories supporting genomic and ancient DNA research: the Anthropological Genetics Research Facility, equipped for contemporary genomic analyses; the Ancient DNA Laboratory, a dedicated cleanroom facility for ancient DNA work; and the Laboratory of Biological Anthropology (LBA), established in 1975, which houses DNA samples and training facilities.

Archaeology doctoral students benefit from several dedicated research resources, including the Archaeological Research Center, located in historic Spooner Hall, which provides research space and support for faculty and graduate students. The KU Lab for Applied Archaeological Science (KLAAS) applies experimental and interdisciplinary approaches to traditional questions in archaeology. The ODYSSEY Archaeological Research Program, run through the Kansas Geological Survey, supports field- and laboratory-based research on late Pleistocene and early Holocene archaeology, primarily in the Great Plains, and has funded numerous KU graduate students.

Across all concentrations, KU anthropology faculty offer field schools in archaeology, biological anthropology, and cultural anthropology. Students have conducted independent and collaborative research across the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia.

Doctorate in Anthropology Sample Courses

The PhD in anthropology curriculum is designed to provide doctoral students with advanced training in anthropological theory, research methods, and scholarly communication. Sample courses in the anthropology PhD curriculum include:

• Responsible Research and Scholarship in Anthropology
• Current Cultural Anthropology
• Doing Ethnography
• Proseminar I & II in Anthropology

These courses help students build the theoretical and methodological foundation necessary to complete original research within the PhD anthropology program. For a complete listing of classes, explore the KU Catalog.

Accreditation & Notes