Dec 08, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Anthropology Major, MA


The Department of Anthropology offers the Master of Arts with a major in anthropology and concentrations in archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and Mediterranean archaeology. Additional information on the anthropology graduate program may be obtained from the department’s website or by contacting the department.

Concentrations (Required) and Options Available


Archaeology (Thesis)
Biological Anthropology (Thesis)
Cultural Anthropology (Thesis)
Mediterranean Archaeology (Thesis)

Campus Code


Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures


  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a major in anthropology. Applicants with a major in a related field (such as biology, sociology, geology, classics, history, historic preservation, or geography) will be considered only if they have a formal minor in anthropology or its equivalent (introductory courses in archaeology, cultural anthropology, and biological anthropology plus 5 additional upper-division courses in Anthropology).
  • Have an undergraduate GPA of 3.50 in the major, 3.30 overall.
  • If applying to the concentration in Mediterranean archaeology, have completed appropriate undergraduate courses in archaeology or anthropology, with an anthropology minor preferred.
  • Make formal online application to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Office of Graduate Admissions. Transcripts should be sent directly to Graduate Admissions. Instructions for submitting three letters of recommendation, which are required, can be found in the online application. In addition, the prospective student should upload a letter of intent indicating career goals and reasons for selecting the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and one sample of his or her written work (a class paper or research report).
    • Applications for admission must be submitted complete by 1 December for consideration for admission the following year.
  • Specify that they are applying for admission to the MA program, and state the concentration (archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, Mediterranean archaeology) they will pursue.

Credit Hours Required


Minimum of 30 graduate credit hours

Required Courses


Non-Course Requirements


  • A formal performance review of each MA graduate student’s progress will take place each year.
  • An MA thesis proposal.
  • Successful completion of the thesis and final oral presentation and examination.