Program Overview
The Anthropology Ph.D. program at the University of South Carolina provides advanced training in all subfields of anthropology, preparing students for research leadership and teaching careers. With guaranteed funding, small cohorts, and a focus on hands-on experiences and research ethics, the program equips students with the skills to conduct document-based and field research, evaluate anthropological theories, and present their findings effectively. Graduates find employment in various settings, including academia, museums, government, and non-profits.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Anthropology Ph.D. program at the University of South Carolina provides advanced training in anthropology, preparing students to lead research programs, contribute to discoveries, and teach. The program focuses on all major subfields of anthropology.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the following skills:
- Describe and evaluate the historical development and contemporary expressions of anthropological theory.
- Recognize and describe research themes and content from all subfields.
- Conduct document-based and field research to engage in professional-level scholarly dialogue, lead classroom discussions, and present scholarly papers.
Program Description:
- The program offers small cohorts with guaranteed funding through assistantships.
- Students attend national conferences with faculty members.
- The curriculum includes flexible courses in basic and advanced theory and method, substantive knowledge areas, research design, data analysis and interpretation, and practical field skills.
- Each student has a faculty mentor to support their success.
Teaching:
- The program emphasizes hands-on training through authentic simulations and laboratory classes in artifacts and material culture.
- Students engage in four subfield anthropology perspectives and receive extensive training in research ethics.
Careers:
- Potential Careers: College Professor, Coroner Technician, Data Analyst, Exhibit Arranger, Field Archaeologist, Lab Technician
- Job Titles of Alumni: Archaeologist, Cultural Anthropologist, Science & Technology Policy Fellow, Lecturer
- Workplace Settings: Education, Business, Museums, Nonprofits
Other:
- The program emphasizes a broad scope, training students in broad social theory as well as interdisciplinary, anthropological discourses for a well-rounded education.
- Students have rich opportunities for research through ethnographic and archaeological field schools locally and abroad.
- The program emphasizes the development of professional and personal intelligence for a successful career, including skills in field research, communication, intercultural competence, laboratory research, problem-solving, and data analysis.
