Anthropology

The Johns Hopkins University Anthropology program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of human cultures, societies, and biological origins. This undergraduate program seeks to provide students with a broad understanding of the diversity of human life across time and space, integrating perspectives from cultural anthropology, archaeological anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Students will have the opportunity to explore the complex factors that shape human behavior, social structures, and evolutionary processes through rigorous coursework, hands-on research, and fieldwork experiences.

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical considerations, and cross-cultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in research, education, public policy, healthcare, and international development. Coursework includes topics such as human evolution, ethnographic methods, cultural theory, archaeology, linguistics, and contemporary social issues. Students are encouraged to develop strong research skills, participate in internships, and engage in faculty-led research projects to gain practical experience.

Moreover, the program fosters a global perspective by examining both historical and contemporary issues affecting diverse communities worldwide. Students also have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, archaeological sites, and digital resources, enhancing their learning and research capabilities. With guidance from leading scholars in the field, students can tailor their academic paths to align with their specific interests and career aspirations.

Graduates of the Johns Hopkins Anthropology program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter various professional fields, including academia, museum work, cultural resource management, and international agencies. The program’s commitment to diversity, inquiry, and rigorous scholarship makes it an ideal choice for students passionate about understanding what it means to be human.

Students will usually spend three years in residence, one year or more conducting field research, and a final year completing the dissertation. Requirements include:

• A total of ten courses to be completed in the first three years. The first of these courses is Proseminar and is a requirement for incoming students.
• Students will sit a three-hour exam near the end of their first year. Incoming graduate students will be provided with a reading list at the start of the summer before the academic year to initiate their self-directed growth as anthropologists and to help them prepare for the exam.
• Students are expected to conduct exploratory fieldwork during the first summer. They are to write a proposal for this fieldwork and discuss their work upon return in a departmental methodology workshop. This workshop accompanies the Methods course, which is a requirement for students in their second year.
• For the comprehensive exams, students are required to write two essays (one conceptual and one on their study area). These essays will ideally also help develop their dissertation research proposal. The essays should preferably be completed by the end of the second year. A course called Regions has been developed to assist students in writing the essays.
• Students are also encouraged to take the Proposal Writing course offered and to apply for fieldwork grants from external agencies.
• A student should be able to demonstrate a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language relevant to his/her field of study before completing the comprehensive exams
• A Post-Field course will be offered to those returning from the field to help them begin writing their dissertation, along with relevant professionalization workshops as needed. Post-field students are required to give a seminar on their research in the departmental colloquia series.

• Letters of Recommendation (3),
• GRE,
• TOEFL/IELTS,
• Statement of Purpose,
• Transcripts,
• Sample of Work,
• Resume

The Anthropology program at Johns Hopkins University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Undergraduate students can explore federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, which do not require repayment and are awarded based on financial need. Additionally, the university provides merit-based scholarships such as the Johns Hopkins University Scholars Program, which recognizes academic excellence and leadership qualities. For students pursuing graduate studies in Anthropology, there are fellowships and assistantships available, which often include tuition remission and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities. The university also encourages external funding pursuits, guiding students to applications for federal agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Fulbright Program, which support research and academic development in the field of anthropology. Johns Hopkins University has an Office of Financial Aid that offers personalized counseling to help students identify suitable funding sources and complete necessary application procedures. Furthermore, many department-specific scholarships are available, awarded based on academic performance, research proposals, or financial need. The university emphasizes affordability and accessibility and is committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue their interests in anthropology. Students are encouraged to apply early for all available funding opportunities to maximize their financial aid package. Entrance into the program does not automatically include funding but provides avenues for financial assistance, making advanced study in anthropology more attainable. The university maintains transparency regarding costs, with detailed information available on the official financial aid website, including application deadlines, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements. Overall, Johns Hopkins University strives to offer a financially supportive environment for anthropology students, enabling them to focus on their academic and research goals without undue financial burden.

The Anthropology program at Johns Hopkins University offers a comprehensive exploration of human societies, cultures, and biological aspects from an interdisciplinary perspective. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the evolutionary and cultural development of humans, emphasizing both physical anthropology and cultural anthropology. Students gain skills in ethnographic research, biological analysis, and cultural interpretation, preparing them for careers in academia, research, public policy, or applied fields such as healthcare, archaeology, and international development. The program encourages critical thinking about issues related to human diversity, social change, and the ethical considerations involved in anthropological research. Through coursework, fieldwork opportunities, and independent study, students develop a nuanced perspective on issues affecting communities worldwide. The faculty comprises leading scholars in anthropology who bring diverse research expertise in areas such as human evolution, linguistic anthropology, archaeology, and social theory. The program often integrates technological tools and methodologies such as GIS mapping, DNA analysis, and digital ethnography to enhance research capabilities. Students are also encouraged to participate in internships and fieldwork opportunities that provide practical experience. Johns Hopkins University’s Anthropology program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, often working with departments such as Johns Hopkins Archaeological Museum and its centers for social science research. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for further academic pursuits or professional roles in museums, cultural resource management, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies. The university supports a vibrant academic community, offering seminars, conferences, and workshops that foster scholarly exchange and professional development. Overall, the Johns Hopkins Anthropology program aims to cultivate culturally aware, scientifically informed, and ethically responsible anthropologists capable of addressing complex global issues.