
	Description

	Degrees Offered

	Admission

	Master of Arts in Anthropology

		Archaeological Investigations in Forensics and Human Adaptation Track

		Cultural Competence in the Professions Track

		Maya Studies Track

	Contact Info

Description

The Department of Anthropology offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Arts degree in Anthropology. The program includes three tracks: Archaeological Investigations in Forensics and Human Adaptation, Cultural Competence in the Professions, and Maya Studies.

Graduate students in the Archaeological Investigations track will receive intensive training in human skeletal analysis and archaeological field excavation as a means for individual and demographic reconstruction of recent contexts and for other interpretations of the past. Students graduating from this track will be able to go on to pursue a Ph.D., or they will be qualified for careers in areas such as crime scene investigation, human rights violations, medical examiner investigation, and in archaeological, environmental and cultural resource management.

Graduate students in the Cultural Competence track will receive training in strategies for providing effective cross-cultural services in areas such as education, healthcare, and international tourism. Students graduating from this track will be able to go on to pursue a Ph.D., or they will be qualified for professional employment (or improving their present position) in any business, healthcare, government, or educational organization that operates across cultural boundaries.

Graduate students in the Maya Studies track will receive intensive training in archaeological theory and method pertaining to the study of the Maya culture, both past and present. Students graduating from this track will be able to go on to pursue a Ph.D., or they will be qualified for careers in such areas as archaeological, environmental, and cultural resource management.

Degrees Offered

Archaeological Investigations in Forensics and Human Adaptation Track
Cultural Competence in the Professions Track
Maya Studies Track

Admission

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions and Registration section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. Please be sure to submit all requested material by the established deadline(s).

Students must select one of three tracks: Archaeological Investigations in Forensics and Human Adaptation, Cultural Competence in the Professions, or Maya Studies. Students will be selected on a competitive basis and must meet the following minimum requirements in addition to the general admission requirements:

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
Competitive official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores taken within the last five years
GPA of 3.0 or higher in last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study
Personal statement of intent that includes the student's research interest, geographical area of interest, faculty they would like to work with, and future career plans (500 words)
Three letters of recommendation
For applicants from countries where English is not the official language, or for an applicant whose bachelor’s degree is not from an accredited U.S. institution, an official score of at least 220 (computer-based test; or equivalent score on the paper-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required.

The applicant’s records will be reviewed on an individual basis for academic deficiencies and evaluated to assess the applicant’s potential for success in the program. Supplemental course work may be recommended. Meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant's abilities, past performance, recommendations, match of this program to the applicant's career/academic goals, availability and match to a faculty adviser, and the applicant's potential for completing the degree. Note also that there is no automatic connection between acceptance as a non-degree-seeking student and acceptance into this degree-granting program. Please consult the graduate program director whenever questions arise.

Application Due Dates

All application materials must be submitted by the appropriate deadline listed below.

All students applying for fellowships must apply by the Fall Priority deadline date.

U.S. Applicants

Program(s) Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer

Master of Arts in Anthropology Jan 1 Apr 1 Nov 1

Archaeological Investigations in Forensics and Human Adaptation Track Jan 1 Apr 1 Nov 1

Cultural Competence in the Professions Track Jan 1 Apr 1 Nov 1

Maya Studies Track Jan 1 Apr 1 Nov 1

International Applicants

Program(s) Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer

Master of Arts in Anthropology Jan 1 Jan 1 Jul 1

Archaeological Investigations in Forensics and Human Adaptation Track Jan 1 Jan 1 Jul 1

Cultural Competence in the Professions Track Jan 1 Jan 1 Jul 1

Maya Studies Track Jan 1 Jan 1 Jul 1

International Transfer Applicants

Program(s) Fall Priority Fall Spring Summer

Master of Arts in Anthropology Jan 1 Mar 1 Sep 1

Archaeological Investigations in Forensics and Human Adaptation Track Jan 1 Mar 1 Sep 1

Cultural Competence in the Professions Track Jan 1 Mar 1 Sep 1

Maya Studies Track Jan 1 Mar 1 Sep 1

Master of Arts in Anthropology

Degree-seeking students in the Archaeological Investigations in Forensics and Human Adaptation, the Cultural Competence in the Professions, and the Maya Studies tracks of the Anthropology program may elect to follow either a thesis or a nonthesis program of study. The thesis option is designed for students who plan to enter doctoral programs, while the nonthesis option is more appropriate for students entering or continuing professional careers following the M.A. degree. The Master of Arts degree is conferred when students have fulfilled the requirements of either the thesis or nonthesis option. Both options require 33 hours of course work, at least 50 percent of which must be at the 6000 level or above. No graduate credit will be given for any grade lower than a B- (2.75), but the grade will be counted toward the GPA. Courses may be retaken to achieve a better grade; however, the unsatisfactory grade will remain in the program of study. In order to stay in good academic standing, students must maintain a minimum Graduate Status GPA of 3.0 in their program of study.

Upon acceptance into the program students will be assigned a faculty adviser. Together the students and their advisers will determine the student’s preliminary program of study, either in the thesis or nonthesis track. Students should maintain close contact with their faculty adviser in order to develop a viable program of study and avoid graduation delays. For thesis students, the faculty adviser will chair their Thesis Advisory Committee, which also will include two additional faculty members: two from Anthropology, one of whom is the Chair, and one from another Program or Department. Qualified individuals from outside the University of Central Florida may be eligible to serve as the third member of Thesis Advisory Committees. The additional members of the Thesis Advisory Committee are selected in consultation with the student’s faculty adviser. All members must be approved graduate faculty as cited in the most current UCF Graduate Studies catalog. For nonthesis students, a committee of two additional faculty members will be selected in consultation with the student’s faculty adviser for the purposes of the oral examination. This committee must be selected by the semester prior to the semester in which the student will take the oral exam.

Research studies are required in the required courses, and at the conclusion of all course work, an assessment of students independent research projects and papers is completed. The research study will focus on reviewing and analyzing contemporary research in a students particular specialization within anthropology in order to help students acquire knowledge and skills pertaining to research-based best practices in that specialization area.

Minimum Hours Required for M.A.—33 Credit Hours

Degree-seeking students in the anthropology program may elect to follow either a thesis or a nonthesis course of study. Both options require 33 hours of course work.

Required Core Courses—12 Credit Hours

Students in all tracks will be required to complete four core courses. Together, these courses provide an in-depth understanding of the epistemological foundations of the discipline. Students are introduced to the theory and practice of Anthropology at a level of synthesis that will prepare them for future doctoral study should they wish to pursue it. These courses will also establish the foundations of understanding that will prepare students for nonacademic careers that employ anthropological perspectives and knowledge.

ANG 6110 Archaeological Theory and Method (3 credit hours)
ANG 6587 Seminar in Biological Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6930 Seminar in Cultural Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6931 Proseminar in Anthropology (3 credit hours)

Required Track Courses—6 Credit Hours

The required courses designed for each track provide the fundamental disciplinary content and expertise necessary for competence in that specialization. Students will receive training in the theory, methods, and application of their respective areas of study.

Elective Courses—9 Credit Hours (Thesis Option) or 15 Credit Hours (Nonthesis Option)

Students who are completing the thesis option will select a minimum of 9 credit hours of nonrestricted electives in consultation with their faculty adviser. Students completing the nonthesis option will select a minimum of 15 credit hours of nonrestricted electives in consultation with their faculty adviser. No more than 3 credit hours may be taken in UCF graduate programs outside the department. The department’s graduate director must approve all courses taken outside the department prior to enrollment.

Under special circumstances, students may enroll in a graduate-level Directed Independent Study course or a Directed Independent Research course to fulfill their nonrestricted elective course requirements. These courses, like most graduate seminars, require written research reports. Enrollment in these courses requires written approval from the student’s adviser. No more than 6 hours of graduate-level courses in Directed Independent Study or Directed Independent Research may be included in a student’s program of study.

Thesis and Nonthesis Options

Thesis Option (6 Credit Hours of Thesis)—The thesis and oral defense are the culmination of the course work for those students who have elected the thesis option. Students electing to write a thesis must select a Thesis Advisory Committee. The student’s faculty adviser will chair the Thesis Advisory Committee. The committee will consist of three members: two from Anthropology, one of whom is the Chair, and one from another Program or Department. Qualified individuals from outside the University of Central Florida may be eligible to serve as the third member of Thesis Advisory Committees. The completion of the thesis must be followed by an oral defense before the Thesis Advisory Committee. A successful format review, oral defense, and electronic submission of the thesis to the Division of Graduate Studies for review completes the program requirements. Students are required to follow all procedures and timetables specified by the Division of Graduate Studies.

Nonthesis Option (6 Credit Hours of Electives)—The student selecting the nonthesis option will take an additional 6 hours of elective course work, for a total of 15 credit hours of electives. At the conclusion of this course work, the student will be given a comprehensive oral examination. In consultation with the faculty adviser, two additional faculty members shall be selected to serve on the Oral Examination Committee that will be chaired by the faculty adviser. A successful comprehensive oral examination completes the requirements for the degree. Students are required to follow all procedures and timetables specified by the Division of Graduate Studies.

Archaeological Investigations in Forensics and Human Adaptation Track

Minimum Hours Required for M.A.—33 Credit Hours

The Master of Arts in Anthropology requires 33 credit hours with no graduate credit given for any grade lower than "B-" (2.75).

Required Core Courses—12 Credit Hours

ANG 6110 Archaeological Theory and Method (3 credit hours)
ANG 6587 Seminar in Biological Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6930 Seminar in Cultural Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6931 Proseminar in Anthropology (3 credit hours)

Required Track Courses—6 Credit Hours

ANG 6123 Forensic Archaeology Field Methods (3 credit hours)
ANG 6181C GIS Applications in Archaeology (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses—9 Credit Hours (Thesis Option) or 15 Credit Hours (Nonthesis Option)

Group 1

ANG 5100 Archaeological Sciences (3 credit hours)
ANG 5742 Problems in Forensic Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6466C Advanced Human Osteology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6740C Advanced Forensic Anthropology (3 credit hours)

Group 2

ANG 5165 Field Research in Maya Studies (3 credit hours)
ANG 5272 Culture, Power, and Development (3 credit hours)
ANG 5307 Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (3 credit hours)
ANG 5341 Caribbean Cultures (3 credit hours)
ANG 5437 Anthropology of Tourism (3 credit hours)
ANG 5467 Nutritional Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 5620 Language and Culture (3 credit hours)
ANG 5622 Language, Culture, and Pedagogy (3 credit hours)
ANG 5741 Mortuary Archaeology (3 credit hours)
ANG 5XXX Medical Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6168 The Ancient Maya (3 credit hours)
ANG 6324 Contemporary Maya (3 credit hours)
ANG 6701 Seminar in Applied Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6801 Ethnographic Research Methods (3 credit hours)

Electives will be selected in consultation with the student’s faculty adviser. Students must select at least one course from each group. With prior approval, the student may take Anthropology electives other than those listed above, and may take one elective (3 credit hours) in another department. Additional electives may be selected as they become available.

Thesis Option—6 Credit Hours

ANG 6971 Thesis (6 credit hours)
Successful Oral Defense of Thesis

Nonthesis Option—6 Credit Hours

Two electives in addition to the required 9 hours (6 credit hours)
Successful Comprehensive Oral Exam

Cultural Competence in the Professions Track

Minimum Hours Required for M.A.—33 Credit Hours

The Master of Arts in Anthropology requires 33 credit hours with no graduate credit given for any grade lower than "B-" (2.75).

Required Core Courses—12 Credit Hours

ANG 6110 Archaeological Theory and Method (3 credit hours)
ANG 6587 Seminar in Biological Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6930 Seminar in Cultural Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6931 Proseminar in Anthropology (3 credit hours)

Required Track Courses—6 Credit Hours

ANG 6701 Seminar in Applied Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6801 Ethnographic Research Methods (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses—9 Credit Hours (Thesis Option) or 15 Credit Hours (Nonthesis Option)

Group 1

ANG 5272 Culture, Power, and Development (3 credit hours)
ANG 5437 Anthropology of Tourism (3 credit hours)
ANG 5467 Nutritional Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 5620 Language and Culture (3 credit hours)
ANG 5622 Language, Culture, and Pedagogy (3 credit hours)
ANG 5XXX Medical Anthropology (3 credit hours)

Group 2

ANG 5100 Archaeological Sciences (3 credit hours)
ANG 5165 Maya Field Research (3 credit hours)
ANG 5166 Problems in Maya Studies (3 credit hours)
ANG 5167 Maya Hieroglyphs (3 credit hours)
ANG 5228 Maya Iconography (3 credit hours)
ANG 5307 Peoples and Cultures of Latin America
ANG 5341 Caribbean Cultures (3 credit hours)
ANG 5742 Problems in Forensic Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6123 Forensic Archaeology Field Methods (3 credit hours)
ANG 6168 The Ancient Maya (3 credit hours)
ANG 6181C GIS Applications in Archaeology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6324 Contemporary Maya (3 credit hours)
ANG 6466C Advanced Human Osteology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6740C Advanced Forensic Anthropology (3 credit hours)

Thesis Option—6 Credit Hours

ANG 6971 Thesis (6 credit hours)
Successful Oral Defense of Thesis

Nonthesis Option—6 Credit Hours

Two electives in addition to the required 9 hours (6 credit hours)
Successful Comprehensive Oral Exam

Maya Studies Track

Minimum Hours Required for M.A.—33 Credit Hours

The Master of Arts in Anthropology requires 33 credit hours with no graduate credit given for any grade lower than B- (2.75).

Required Core Courses—12 Credit Hours

ANG 6110 Archaeological Theory and Method (3 credit hours)
ANG 6587 Seminar in Biological Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6930 Seminar in Cultural Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6931 Proseminar in Anthropology (3 credit hours)

Required Track Courses—6 Credit Hours

ANG 6168 The Ancient Maya (3 credit hours)
ANG 6324 Contemporary Maya (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses—9 Credit Hours (Thesis Option) or 15 Credit Hours (Nonthesis Option)

Group 1

ANG 5165 Maya Field Research (3 credit hours)
ANG 5166 Problems in Maya Studies (3 credit hours)
ANG 5167 Maya Hieroglyphs (3 credit hours)
ANG 5228 Maya Iconography (3 credit hours)
CPO 5334 Contemporary Politics of the Mayan Region (3 credit hours)
LAH 5937 Latin America: The Mayas (3 credit hours)

Group 2

ANG 5100 Archaeological Sciences (3 credit hours)
ANG 5272 Culture, Power, and Development (3 credit hours)
ANG 5307 Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (3 credit hours)
ANG 5341 Caribbean Cultures (3 credit hours)
ANG 5437 Anthropology of Tourism (3 credit hours)
ANG 5467 Nutritional Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 5620 Language and Culture (3 credit hours)
ANG 5622 Language, Culture, and Pedagogy (3 credit hours)
ANG 5741 Mortuary Archaeology (3 credit hours)
ANG 5742 Problems in Forensic Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 5XXX Medical Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6123 Forensic Archaeology Field Methods (3 credit hours)
ANG 6181C GIS Applications in Archaeology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6466C Advanced Human Osteology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6701 Seminar in Applied Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6740C Advanced Forensic Anthropology (3 credit hours)
ANG 6801 Ethnographic Research Methods (3 credit hours)

Electives will be selected in consultation with the student’s faculty adviser. Students must select at least one course from each group. With prior approval, the student may take Anthropology electives other than those listed above and may take one elective (3 credit hours) in another department. Additional electives may be selected as they become available.

Thesis Option—6 Credit Hours

ANG 6971 Thesis (6 credit hours)
Successful Thesis Defense

Nonthesis Option—6 Credit Hours

Two electives in addition to the required 9 hours (6 credit hours)
Successful Comprehensive Exam

Thesis Option—6 Credit Hours

The thesis option requires a minimum of 6 hours of thesis credit and a successful defense of a thesis. Students may enroll in thesis hours after they have successfully completed the three required courses. When a topic has been selected, students, in conjunction with their faculty adviser, will develop a thesis proposal. Copies of the proposal will be routed to members of their thesis committee and a proposal hearing scheduled. All students must pass a proposal hearing as well as a final oral defense of their thesis. Students who elect to write a thesis should become familiar with the university’s requirements and deadlines for organizing and submitting the thesis. The thesis option is highly recommended for students interested in graduate work beyond the Master of Arts degree.

Nonthesis Option—6 Credit Hours

In addition to the total 15 hours of electives, the nonthesis option requires students to pass a final oral examination. The examination will be based on the course work in the student’s program of study. Students must notify the department’s graduate program director in writing of their intent to take the exam at least one week before the date fixed for the examination. A committee composed of three faculty members will conduct the oral examination. The grading system for the examination is as follows: 1) Pass with Distinction, 2) Pass, 3) Conditional Pass, and 4) Fail. Students who receive a grade of Conditional Pass will be required to complete additional work as determined by the grading committee. Students who fail must retake the exam. Failure to pass the examination on the second attempt will result in dismissal from the program. Students who indicate their intent to take the examination but do not take the exam will be awarded a failing grade.

Financial Support

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Financing Grad School, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Key points about financial support:

If you are interested in financial assistance, you are strongly encouraged to apply for admission early. A complete application for admission, including all supporting documents, must be received by the priority date listed for your program under "Admissions."
You must be admitted to a graduate program before the university can consider awarding financial assistance to you.
If you want to be considered for loans and other need-based financial assistance, review the UCF Student Financial Assistance website at http://finaid.ucf.edu and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, which is available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Apply early and allow up to six weeks for the FAFSA form to be processed.
UCF Graduate Studies awards university graduate fellowships, with most decisions based on nominations from the colleges and programs. To be eligible for a fellowship, students must be accepted as a graduate student in a degree program and be enrolled full-time. University fellowships are awarded based on academic merit and therefore are not affected by FASFSA determination of need.
Please note that select fellowships do require students to fill out a fellowship application (either a university fellowship application, an external fellowship application, or a college or school fellowship application). For university fellowship applications, see Financing Grad School.
For information on assistantships (including teaching, research, and general graduate assistantships) or tuition support, contact the graduate program director of your program.

Contact Info