PhD in Anthropology
Become a leading scholar, educator, and intellectual leader in the field of anthropology.
While pursuing your PhD in Anthropology at UMass Amherst, you'll work closely with faculty who are nationally known leaders in developing community-based and participatory research methods that seek to make a positive impact on communities and issues of public concern.
The Anthropology Department at UMass is also known for research in the anthropology of Europe, indigenous and Afro-diasporic archaeology, community-based research methods, and for leading the way in developing a biocultural perspective on human adaptability, enhanced by a strong foundation in political economy.
In collaboration with your PhD guidance committee, you'll designate three fields of specialization that reflect your career goals and intellectual interests. Your study will culminate in the presentation of your dissertation.
We offer many funding opportunities through teaching and research assistantships. We also offer additional funding for conference travel, pre-dissertation pilot studies, and dissertation-writing fellowships.
Our graduates have gone on to secure prestigious awards and postdoctoral and tenure-track positions in academia as well as high-impact positions in non-governmental organizations.