Cultural Anthropology

The Department of Cultural Anthropology at Duke University offers an engaging and comprehensive program designed to explore the rich diversity of human cultures, societies, and behaviors across the globe. Our curriculum emphasizes understanding the complexities of cultural practices, social structures, belief systems, and historical contexts that shape human experience. Students in the program have the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of ethnographic research methods, qualitative analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to critically examine contemporary social issues through the lens of cultural anthropology. The program encourages active engagement with diverse communities, both locally and internationally, fostering a nuanced appreciation for cultural diversity and social change. Coursework covers topics such as kinship and family systems, language and communication, religion and spirituality, politics and power, economic practices, and the impacts of globalization. Students can also participate in fieldwork opportunities, gaining firsthand experience in ethnographic research and data collection, which are essential skills for academic, governmental, or nonprofit careers. The degree prepares graduates for a wide range of professional paths, including research, international development, public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Our faculty members are renowned scholars who bring extensive research experience from various regions around the world, providing students with mentorship and insights into cutting-edge anthropological issues. The program fosters a collaborative intellectual environment and encourages students to develop critical thinking, ethical research practices, and effective communication skills. Whether students aim to pursue advanced graduate studies or enter the workforce directly, the Cultural Anthropology program at Duke offers a robust foundation in understanding the complexities of human societies and prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions in a globalized world.

18 graded courses

• At least 10 must be regular courses listed or cross-listed at or above the 500 level, including:
  • 2 Theory Courses:  focused on core debates and themes within the history of socio-cultural anthropology and related fields.
    • CULANTH 801 and CULANTH 802 - Theories in Cultural Anthropology
  • 1 Research Method Course: Taken in the spring of your second year, this course focuses on ethnographic methods, using the students summer fieldwork as the basis of the exploration.
    • CULANTH 803 - Research Methods/Portfolio Seminar
  • 1 Grant Writing Seminar: Taken in the fall of your third year, this course focuses on the development of the dissertation research proposal and the preparation of grant proposals; it will also allow students to work further on their portfolios.
    • CULANTH 804 - Grant Writing
• 8 additional courses
  • No more than 5 (non CULANTH) courses may be Individual Research/Individual Reading courses (independent studies).
    • We recommend that 3 independent studies courses be reserved for the spring of the third year, when you are preparing for the Portfolio Workshop.
  • At least 2 courses in a discipline outside of Cultural Anthropology. You may, however, take more than 2 courses outside of Cultural Anthropology.

Typical Course of Study

• Applicants must submit their applications and supporting documents online. There is an $80.00 application fee.
• All requested supporting documentation should be uploaded electronically via the online application. An official hard copy of your transcript will only be requested after admission. We strongly encourage you to apply by December 1 and no later than December 8. If you apply later, there may not be time for all your supporting documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) to arrive by the time our departmental reviews begin in early January. An incomplete file may affect your consideration. All supporting documents must be electronically submitted along with your application to the Duke Graduate School. They should not be submitted directly to the department. 
• The statement of purpose is an especially important part of the application as it gives applicants a chance to describe their research interests. There is no single way to write a good statement of purpose, but click for some sample statements of purpose from successful recent applicants.
• At the beginning of their statement of purpose in the application, all applicants must also list three keywords best describing their research interests and geographical area of study (for example: Mass Media, Indigenous Rights, Latin America). 
• Applicants must upload a roughly 10-20 page sample of relatively recent written work electronically via the online application or to grad-admissions-center@duke.edu by December 8.
• December 8: Departmental deadline for submission of Ph.D. applications for admission and award for the fall semester. 

Scholarships

Graduate students are awarded fellowships, scholarships, and teaching and graduate assistantships to the fullest extent permitted by available funding. Graduate Fellowships provide tuition plus a living stipend for 5 years, contingent on continued appropriate progress toward the Ph.D. degree. Stipends and fellowships require service in the form of teaching and/or graduate assistance. Other university awards are given on a competitive basis to outstanding students. These include the James B. Duke Fellowships, International Fellowships, and Deans' Fellowships.

You are also encouraged to seek fellowships for graduate study in Anthropology that are awarded by non-university agencies, as these frequently offer high stipends and several years of continuous support. Various university and external funding sources provide awards for pre-doctoral and doctoral research, including field research in Anthropology, and students are encouraged to apply for these at the appropriate time. Some additional funding as well as part-time teaching positions may be available to students beyond the fifth year.

The Cultural Anthropology program at Duke University offers students the opportunity to explore the diversity of human cultures, societies, and behaviors through a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. The program emphasizes ethnographic research, critical analysis, and the understanding of cultural practices across different contexts. Students engaged in this major examine topics such as kinship, religion, politics, language, globalization, and social change, preparing them for careers in academia, public policy, non-governmental organizations, and diverse international fields. The curriculum combines theoretical coursework with practical fieldwork experiences, allowing students to develop necessary skills such as participant observation, qualitative data collection, and analysis. Faculty members in the program are renowned scholars who encourage critical thinking and innovative research methods. The program also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with departments like Sociology, History, and Global Health, broadening students' perspectives. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and research projects to enhance their understanding of cultural diversity and social dynamics. Graduates of the program often pursue advanced degrees or enter careers in cultural resource management, international development, journalism, education, or public anthropology. Duke’s vibrant intellectual community and extensive resources provide strong support for students’ academic and professional development. The program aims to foster a global outlook, cultural sensitivity, and analytical skills critical for understanding complex social issues in an increasingly interconnected world.