Anthropology

Anthropology at the University of Virginia offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to the study of human cultures, societies, languages, and biological diversity. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human origins, evolution, and the rich tapestry of contemporary human experience across the globe. Through a diverse array of courses, fieldwork opportunities, and research projects, students explore the complex interplay between biology and culture, past and present, enabling them to analyze human behavior and societal development from multiple perspectives.

The curriculum covers core areas such as cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeological methods, linguistic anthropology, and ethnographic studies. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on fieldwork, which may include excavations, ethnographic research, and laboratory analysis, fostering practical skills vital for careers in research, education, and applied sciences. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, analytical abilities, and effective communication to prepare students for advanced study or careers in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, public policy, and related fields.

Faculty members are distinguished scholars committed to mentoring students and guiding innovative research initiatives. The university provides state-of-the-art laboratories and resources, including laboratories for biological anthropology, archaeological collections, and language learning centers. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and community engagement projects, expanding their global and cultural awareness.

Graduates of the anthropology program at the University of Virginia are equipped with a broad, interdisciplinary knowledge base and practical skills necessary for ethical and impactful work in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, cultural resource management, and private sectors. Whether pursuing graduate studies or immediate employment, students gain a thorough understanding of human diversity and the methods to study it, making them valuable contributors to understanding and solving contemporary social and biological issues facing our world today.

• ANTH 5200 - History of Kinship Studies Credits: 3
• ANTH 5210 - Reconfiguring Kinship Studies Credits: 3
• ANTH 5220 - Economic Anthropology Credits: 3
• ANTH 5225 - NGOs, Development, and International Aid Credits: 3
• ANTH 5235 - Legal Anthropology Credits: 3
• ANTH 5360 - World Mental Health Credits: 3
• ANTH 5401 - Linguistic Field Methods Credits: 3
• ANTH 5410 - Phonology Credits: 3
• ANTH 5440 - Morphology Credits: 3
• ANTH 5470 - Language and Identity Credits: 3
• ANTH 5480 - Literacy and Orality Credits: 3
• ANTH 5490 - Speech Play and Verbal Art Credits: 3
• ANTH 5510 - Topics in Ethnography Credits: 3
• ANTH 5528 - Topics in Race Theory Credits: 3
• ANTH 5541 - Topics in Linguistics Credits: 3
• ANTH 5549 - Topics in Theoretical Linguistics and Linguistic Anthropology Credits: 3
• ANTH 5589 - Selected Topics in Archaeology Credits: 1 to 6
• ANTH 5590 - Topics in Social and Cultural Anthropology Credits: 3
• ANTH 5610 - Critical medical anthropology: healers, patients, scholars Credits: 3
• ANTH 5620 - The Middle East in Ethnographic Perspective Credits: 3
• ANTH 5808 - Method and Theory in Archaeology Credits: 3
• ANTH 5840 - Archaeology of Complex Societies Credits: 3
• ANTH 5870 - Archaeozoology Credits: 3
• ANTH 5880 - Gender in Archaeology Credits: 3
• ANTH 5885 - Archaeology of Colonial Expansions Credits: 3
• ANTH 5993 - Independent Studies in Anthropologies Credits: 3
• ANTH 7010 - History of Anthropological Theory I Credits: 3
• ANTH 7020 - History of Anthropological Theory II Credits: 3
• ANTH 7040 - Ethnographic Research Design and Methods Credits: 3
• ANTH 7050 - Ethnographic Writing and Representation Credits: 3
• ANTH 7060 - Dissertation Research Proposal Workshop Credits: 3
• ANTH 7129 - Marriage, Mortality, Fertility Credits: 3
• ANTH 7130 - Disease, Epidemics and Society Credits: 3
• ANTH 7290 - Nationalism and the Politics of Culture Credits: 3
• ANTH 7340 - Anthropology and History Credits: 3
• ANTH 7370 - Power and the Body Credits: 3
• ANTH 7400 - Linguistic Anthropology Credits: 3
• ANTH 7420 - Theories of Language Credits: 3
• ANTH 7440 - Language and Emotion Credits: 3
• ANTH 7450 - Native American Languages Credits: 3
• ANTH 7470 - Language and Culture in the Middle East Credits: 3
• ANTH 7480 - Language and Prehistory Credits: 3
• ANTH 7541 - Topics in Sociolinguistics Credits: 3
• ANTH 7589 - Topics in Archaeology Credits: 3
• ANTH 7590 - Topics in Social and Cultural Anthropology Credits: 3
• ANTH 7603 - Archaeological Aproaches to Atlantic Slavery Credits: 3
• ANTH 7630 - Chinese Family and Religion Credits: 3
• ANTH 7840 - Quantitative Analysis in Anthropology I Credits: 3
• ANTH 7841 - Quantitative Analysis II Credits: 3
• ANTH 7855 - Historical Archaeology Credits: 3
• ANTH 8998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Research Credits: 1 to 12
• ANTH 8999 - Non-Topical Research Credits: 1 to 12
• ANTH 9010 - Directed Readings Credits: 1 to 12
• ANTH 9020 - Directed Readings Credits: 1 to 12
• ANTH 9050 - Research Practicum Credits: 1 to 12
• ANTH 9998 - Non-Topical Research, Preparation for Doctoral Research Credits: 1 to 12
• ANTH 9999 - Non-Topical Research Credits: 1 to 12
• LING 5090 - Teaching English as a Second Language Credits: 3
• LING 5101 - ESL Teaching Practicum: Language Credits: 1
• LING 5102 - ESL Teaching Practicum: Culture Credits: 1
• LING 5103 - ESL Teaching Practicum: Writing Credits: 1
• LING 5409 - Acoustic Phonetics Credits: 3
• LING 5569 - New Course in Linguistics Credits: 1 to 4
• LING 6010 - Between Two Cultures, Between Two Languages Credits: 2
• LING 7400 - Structure of English Credits: 3
• LING 8998 - Non-Topical Research Credits: 1 to 12
• LING 8999 - MA Thesis Research Credits: 3
• LING 9010 - Directed Research Credits: 3

• The statement of purpose should offer a narrative of your accomplishments, including details of major papers and projects you completed as part of your prior studies. It should describe the anthropological questions you want to grapple with through your graduate study and research, along with the particular regions or historical periods on which you will focus (although we do understand that your plans may alter with time). And it should let us know what your future career plans are, your reasons for applying to study in this Department specifically, and aspects of your background, skills, and linguistic abilities that may aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your aptitude for graduate study.
• Letters of recommendation should be requested from people who know you well and can speak to the quality of your academic skills (especially in careful reading, writing, and the construction of arguments), your ability to work cooperatively with others, and your prior accomplishments.
• The writing sample should be a major course paper or other substantial essay that showcases your ability to frame a scholarly argument, to develop it by discussing pertinent literature, and to analyze relevant primary materials. For applicants with an MA, the writing sample should be your MA thesis or equivalent.
• The remaining application materials include the application form and fee, transcripts, and GRE scores. The GRE is required of all applicants, but no GRE subject test is required. International students from non-English-speaking countries must also provide TOEFL or IELTS scores. The Graduate School asks applicants to upload unofficial transcripts when applying; applicants who are offered admission to our graduate program will then be asked to provide official copies of all transcripts.

The University of Virginia offers various financial aid options to support students enrolled in its Anthropology programs. Prospective and current students can explore a range of scholarships, grants, and assistantship opportunities designed to ease the financial burden of higher education. Scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit, diversity initiatives, or specific eligibility criteria related to the student's background or extracurricular achievements. Grants may be available through federal and state governments, as well as university-funded programs, providing need-based financial assistance to qualifying students. Additionally, students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. The university also offers work-study opportunities, enabling students to work part-time on campus or in affiliated community organizations, balancing employment with academic commitments. Furthermore, many students pursue private scholarships from external organizations, foundations, or professional associations relevant to anthropology or related fields. Loan options are available through federal borrower programs, with guidance provided to help students manage repayment after graduation. The university's financial services office assists students throughout the process, offering resources, counseling, and planning tools to help manage education costs effectively. For international students or those requiring special financial arrangements, the university provides counseling and guidance to explore alternative funding sources or payment plans. Overall, the University of Virginia's comprehensive financial support system aims to make anthropology education accessible and affordable for all qualified students, emphasizing a commitment to diversity, equity, and academic excellence.

The University of Virginia offers a comprehensive Anthropology program designed to provide students with a broad understanding of human societies, cultures, and biological variations across time and space. This program emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical research skills, preparing students for careers in academia, research, public service, or related fields. Students engage with diverse anthropological subfields, including cultural anthropology, archaeological anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. The curriculum includes coursework that explores human evolution, cultural diversity, language development, and social structures.

Students have opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and research projects, which enhance their understanding of real-world applications of anthropological concepts. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, biology, sociology, and environmental science. Faculty members are recognized experts in their fields and often involve students in ongoing research initiatives. The program also promotes critical thinking and cultural sensitivity, essential for understanding complex global issues such as globalization, migration, health disparities, and heritage preservation.

Graduates of the program often pursue advanced degrees or enter careers in museums, cultural resource management, non-governmental organizations, education, and government agencies. The university supports students with resources such as research centers, libraries specializing in historical and cultural studies, and study abroad programs to gain international perspectives. Overall, the Anthropology program at the University of Virginia aims to cultivate informed and engaged global citizens equipped with analytical skills and cultural awareness essential for addressing contemporary challenges in diverse societies worldwide.