Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of human difference and diversity in the present and the past. In its broad focus on humanity, anthropology brings together the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. 

GW anthropology is committed to integrating humanistic and scientific perspectives while pursuing advanced research of the highest quality. Our graduate programs in anthropology take advantage of the resources available in the nation’s capital, including our 120-year-old relationship with the Smithsonian Institution. Our location places us in a prime position for studying and collaborating with refugee and immigrant communities, policymakers, nongovernmental organizations, the news media and numerous scientific and educational organizations.

The PhD program trains students in the four fields of sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and biological anthropology while providing training in areas of more specialized interest. Students pursue independent research in preparation to become practicing anthropologists. The curriculum develops intellectual creativity, effective communication skills, and rigorous scholarship with a focus on applying anthropological theory and method to the study of contemporary social problems.

All students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship where they communicate anthropology to a general public. Students admitted to the program receive a fellowship and may take advantage of GW’s partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution and Washington, D.C.’s archival collections and policy-making institutions. All PhD candidates must complete a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to do original research.

There are two separate PhD programs affiliated with the Anthropology department (Anthropology and Human Paleobiology), with separate admissions procedures. Please be sure that you are submitting your application to the correct program.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website for application requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact for questions:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

72 credits in coursework.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
Core proseminars
Students are expected to take three of the four proseminars listed below; however, those with significant background in a field, as determined through petition to the instructor, can waive one proseminar.
ANTH 6101	Proseminar in Biological Anthropology
ANTH 6102	Proseminar in Sociocultural Anthropology
ANTH 6103	Proseminar in Archaeology
ANTH 6104	Proseminar in Linguistic Anthropology
One research methods seminar
ANTH 6531	Methods in Sociocultural Anthropology
One professional skills and ethics seminar
Elective courses
Dissertation Research
ANTH 8999	Dissertation Research (taken for 6 to 27 credits)

Language proficiency

All students must demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language; an additional language can be required if it is needed for fieldwork or archival research. An internship in anthropology and public life at an institution responsible for communicating anthropological knowledge to diverse audiences is recommended.

Requirements for the second phase of the program

In addition to the required pre-candidacy coursework, students must successfully pass the department’s candidacy assessment process (CAP), normally during the spring semester of their third year in the program as a full-time student. The CAP has two components: preparation of a research proposal that meets funding agency guidelines and successful completion of a general examination in at least three major areas (e.g., a general field in anthropological theory, a geographic area, and a thematically defined field). Following successful completion of the general examination, an oral defense of the student’s research proposal is held. Students who fail the CAP will have a second opportunity with a deadline of up to three months from the initial effort. Those who pass advance to candidacy for the PhD and engage in completion and defense of the dissertation.