Anthropology (Complex Adaptive Systems Science), PhD

Program Overview

This PhD program in Anthropology (Complex Adaptive Systems Science) trains scientists in advanced concepts and methods for studying diverse phenomena in the social and life sciences. Graduates are equipped with expert knowledge, data analysis skills, and the ability to ask important questions about the human species and utilize statistics to analyze and interpret data. The program's unique approach lies in its integration of traditional anthropological fields with complex adaptive systems science, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Overview: This PhD program trains the next generation of scientists in advanced concepts and methods for approaching diverse phenomena in the social and life sciences.
• Objectives:
• Equip graduates with expert knowledge to contribute to their chosen field and contribute to solutions for humankind's major challenges.
• Train graduates in data analysis and research design within the context of human evolution, archaeology, and anthropology.
• Help graduates understand their place in nature and the history of human societal change.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program combines traditional anthropological fields like archaeology, bioarcheology, evolutionary anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology with an emphasis on complex adaptive systems science.
Students design innovative plans of study while receiving broad training in key areas. The program encourages collaboration with faculty from diverse disciplines, including applied mathematics, chemistry, environmental economics, epidemiology, genetics, sociology, sustainability, technology and society, and urban planning.
• Course Schedule: While specific courses are not listed, the program requires 84 credit hours, including:
• Completion of coursework
• Research activities
• Dissertation development
• For the concentration in complex adaptive systems science, 12 credit hours are selected from an approved list of applicable courses related to complexity.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:
• Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.20
• Completing a written comprehensive exam
• Developing a prospectus
• Completing and defending a dissertation
• Assessment Criteria: The program assesses student performance based on their:
• Understanding of complex adaptive systems science concepts and methods
• Ability to apply their knowledge to research in their chosen field
• Communication skills demonstrated through the dissertation and other coursework

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program emphasizes research-based learning, where students actively participate in research projects alongside faculty.
This hands-on approach allows students to develop their research skills and gain experience applying complex adaptive systems science principles.
• Faculty: The program benefits from diverse faculty expertise with backgrounds in anthropology and complex adaptive systems science.
This multidisciplinary approach ensures that students receive comprehensive training and diverse perspectives.
• Unique Approaches: The program's unique approach lies in its integration of traditional anthropological fields with complex adaptive systems science.
This focus equips graduates with the ability to tackle contemporary societal issues from a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program can pursue careers in various fields, including:
• Academia and research
• Government agencies and policymaking
• Non-profit organizations and social impact
• Private sector consulting and data analysis
• Career Opportunities: The program prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities by emphasizing critical thinking, data analysis, research design, and communication skills.
These skills are highly valued in various sectors, making graduates competitive for a wide range of positions.
• Career Outcomes: Graduates of the program have found success in diverse fields, contributing to advancements in areas like:
• Understanding complex social phenomena
• Developing solutions for sustainable development
• Analyzing and managing large datasets
• Research Emphasis: The program emphasizes research and active participation in faculty projects.
Students have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing research initiatives and develop their own research agenda.
• Interdisciplinary Focus: The program encourages collaboration across disciplines, allowing students to benefit from diverse perspectives and expand their knowledge base.
• Flexibility: The program offers flexible study options to accommodate students' individual needs and career aspirations.