Anthropology (ANTH)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Behavioral and Social Sciences

Abstract

The Department of Anthropology at the University of Maryland offers graduate study leading to the Master of Applied Anthropology (M.A.A.), the Master of Applied Anthropology and Master of Historic Preservation (M.A.A./M.H.P. Dual Degree), the Masters of Professional Studies in Cultural and Heritage Resource Management (M.P.S. (CHRM)), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Our graduate degrees reflect the department’s interest and expertise in applied anthropology—the application of anthropological knowledge, anthropology-in-use, and practicing anthropology— in a variety of institutional and community settings. 

Current faculty members represent two subfields of the discipline (archaeology and socio-cultural anthropology). Drawing their intellectual and applied orientations from training and application of the above subdisciplines, the department’s faculty also recognize the need to identify topics or problems where the expertise of individual faculty members can be applied in a manner that integrates the subdisciplines. In this ongoing effort, the faculty has identified three areas of research concentration: Anthropology of Health, Anthropology of Environment, and Anthropology of Heritage. The areas can be thought to contain and generate research problems of interest to the faculty’s experience and expertise within the subdisciplines. These problems can be addressed individually through socio-cultural anthropology and archaeology. However, the anthropological contribution to addressing these problems is enhanced by collaboration across subdiscipline interests and expertise.

The Master of Applied Anthropology (MAA) is a program designed both for students interested in an anthropology career outside of academia and for those who plan on continuing to a PhD. The program has been offered at the University of Maryland since 1984, and graduates have successfully secured employment or pursued doctoral work in a variety of fields, such as working in the areas of medical and health practice, urban and regional planning and development, community development, conservation and heritage resource development, cultural resource management, and historical archaeology. The focus of the MAA program has been to participate in the building of anthropological practice.

The dual degree Master’s Program in Applied Anthropology and Historic Preservation is a holistic, comprehensive primer for a professional career in the research, understanding and preservation of cultural resources and heritage. The first of its kind in the United States, the new degree prepares students for the challenges—and increasing demand—of understanding, documenting and saving a wide range buildings, landscapes, sites and communities.

The graduate program in Cultural and Heritage Resource Management (CHRM) provides rigorous interdisciplinary training in the skills necessary to advance a career in cultural heritage resource management. CHRM graduate programs include a Master of Professional Studies or a Graduate Certificate. Built on a broad foundation including research methods, critical thinking, ethics, communication and technical writing, management techniques, and leadership skills, this program prepares professionals for employment or advancement with private contracting firms, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations.

A major focus of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is to direct research scholarship and to encourage theoretical and methodological advancement in such a way as to reflect upon the specific practices of anthropology, with the aim of improving those practices and thereby increasing the value and usefulness of the discipline. Doctoral students are typically prepared for research and development careers outside of academic settings, as well as for academic careers in anthropology departments and other disciplinary settings.

Financial Assistance

A limited number of Departmental Fellowships and Teaching Assistantships are available to qualified graduate students. Part-time employment related to department research is occasionally available.

Doctoral students have the option of applying for Fellowships in Support of Diversity and Inclusion. If you're interested in applying for the Fellowships in Support of Diversity and Inclusion in the Behavioral and Social Sciences, please be sure to upload your materials under "Supplementary Application" when submitting your online admissions application.

Contact

Dr. Christina Getrich
Director of Graduate Studies

Department of Anthropology
0123A Woods Hall
4302 Chapel Lane
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.1424
Fax: 301.314.8305
Email: cgetrich@umd.edu
 
Nadine Dangerfield
Assistant Director of Graduate Studies

Department of Anthropology
1115 Woods Hall
4302 Chapel Lane
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.4737
Fax: 301.314.8305
Emailnadine@umd.edu

Website: http://www.anth.umd.edu

Courses: ANTH

Relationships: Applied Anthropology and Historic Preservation (AAHP), Historic Preservation (HISP),  Cultural and Heritage Resource Management (MPCH), Women's Studies (WMST)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
  • CV/Resume
  • Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)
  • Writing Sample
  • Supplementary Application (optional for Ph.D., not required for M.A.A.)
  • Faculty of Interest

Doctoral students have the option of applying for Fellowships in Support of Diversity and Inclusion. If you're interested in applying for the Fellowships in Support of Diversity and Inclusion in the Behavioral and Social Sciences, please be sure to upload your materials under "Supplementary Application" when submitting your online admissions application.

If you're interested in applying for the M.A.A./M.H.P. program, please see the AAHP program here: https://gradschool.umd.edu/architectureplanningpreservation/aahp

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Type of Applicant Fall Deadline
Domestic Applicants
US Citizens and Permanent Residents January 7, 2025
International Applicants
F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A,E,G,H,I and L visas and immigrants January 7, 2025

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

Program Website: anth.umd.edu
Application Process: https://gradschool.umd.edu/admissions

The Department has three archaeology labs (Archaeology in Annapolis, Archaeology of the Irish Diaspora and Modern Ireland, and the Center for Heritage Research Study) in addition to a Zooarchaeology Lab, an Ecological-Environmental Anthropology Lab, and Environmental Sensory Lab. Other research centers and programs include the Center for Research and Collaboration in the Indigenous Americas, Chesapeake Bay Environment Program, and the Deal Island Peninsula Project. Advanced computer software & hardware, such as scanners, graphic programs, and digitizing tablets are located in computer labs. UM is a Carnegie Class I research institution with opportunities for students to participate in research projects. The university is also part of the CIC.

Last Name First/Middle Name Graduate Faculty Status Academic Credentials Positions
Brighton Stephen Full Member Ph.D., Boston University, 2005; B.A., Montclair State, 1992 Associate Chair, Anthropology
Associate Professor, Anthropology
Brown Madeline Full Member Ph.D., Stanford University, 2017; M.A., Stanford University, 2013 Assistant Professor, Anthropology
Campbell Jeremy Special Member Ph.D. 2009, University of California at Santa Cruz Research Professor, Anthropology
Chernela Janet Full Member B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1965; M.A. Columbia University, 1978; Ph.D. Columbia University, 1983 Professor Emerita, Anthropology
Affiliate Professor, Women's Studies
De León Jason Special Member PhD, Pennsylvania State University, 2008; MA, Pennsylvania State University, 2004, BA, University of California, Los Angeles, 2001. Research Professor, Anthropology
Downey Sean Special Member Ph.D., University of Arizona, 2009; M.A., Northern Arizona University, 2003; B.A., Boston University, 1994 Associate Research Professor, Anthropology
Dunn Timothy Special Member Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, 1999; M.A., University of Texas at Austin, 1990; B.A., Hamline University, 1984 Research Professor, Anthropology
Fiske Shirley Adjunct Member Ph.D., Stanford University, 1975; B.A. University of California, Davis, 1967 Research Professor, Anthropology
Freidenberg Judith N. Full Member Ph.D., City University of New York, 1978 ; M.A. University of Buenos Aires, 1969 Professor Emerita, Anthropology
Affiliate Associate Professor, American Studies
Getrich Christina Full Member B.A. College of Wooster, 1997; M.A., Northern Arizona University, 2001; Ph.D. University of New Mexico, 2008 Associate Professor, Anthropology
Affiliate Associate Professor, Women's Studies
Gould Peter Special Member Ph.D., University College London, 2014; M.L.A., University of Pennsylvania, 2010; B.A., Swarthmore College, 1973 Research Professor, Anthropology
Hadden Carla Special Member Ph.D. 2015, University of Georgia Research Professor, Anthropology
Hambrecht George Full Member Ph.D. 2011 and M.A. 2009 Graduate Center of the City University of New York; B.A. 1995 Bard College Associate Professor, Anthropology
King Julia Special Member Ph.D. 1990, M.A. 1982 University of Pennsylvania; M.A. 1981 Florida State University; B.A. 1978 The College of William and Mary Research Professor, Anthropology
Lafrenz Samuels Kathryn Full Member Ph.D. 2010 Stanford University; M.A. 2004 University of South Florida; B.A. 2001 Bryn Mawr College Associate Professor, Anthropology
Leone Mark P. Full Member Ph.D. 1968 and M.A. 1965 University of Arizona; B.A. 1963 Tufts University Professor, Anthropology
Affiliate Professor, American Studies
Little Barbara Adjunct Member Ph.D. and M.A. State University of New York at Buffalo; B.A. Pennsylvania State University Adjunct Professor, Anthropology
Loza Mireya Special Member Ph.D. 2011, M.A. 2006 Brown University; M.A. 2003 University of Texas at Austin; B.A. 2001 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Assistant Research Professor, Anthropology
López Andrea Full Member PhD, University of New Mexico, 2014; MA, University of New Mexico, 2007; BA, San Francisco State University, 2003. Associate Professor, Anthropology
Miller Theresa Special Member Ph.D. 2015, MPhil 2010 University of Oxford; B.A. 2007 American University Postdoctoral Research Associate, Anthropology
Palus Matthew Graduate Teaching Ph.D. 2010 Columbia University; M.A.A. 2000 University of Maryland; B.A. 1994, B.A. 1993 University of Maine Senior Lecturer, Anthropology
Paolisso Michael J. Full Member Ph.D. 1985 M.A. 1978 and B.A. 1976 University of California - Los Angeles Professor Emeritus, Anthropology
Pavão-Zuckerman Barnet Full Member Ph.D. 2001 University of Georgia; B.A. 1996 Binghamton University Chair, Anthropology
Professor, Anthropology
Reeves Matthew Special Member Ph.D. 1997, M.A. 1993 Syracuse University; B.A. 1990 George Mason University Research Professor, Anthropology
Richardson Joseph Full Member Ph.D. 2003 Rutgers University - School of Criminal Justice; M.A. 1992 Rutgers University - School of Criminal Justice; B.A. 1990 The University of Virginia Professor, Anthropology
Shackel Paul A. Full Member Ph.D. 1987 M.A. 1984 and B.A. 1981 State University of New York - Buffalo Professor, Anthropology
Affiliate Associate Professor, American Studies
Shaffer Laura Jean Full Member Ph.D. 2009 University of Georgia - Athens; M.S. 1999 University of Oregon - Eugene; B.S. 1994 Cornell University - Ithaca Assistant Professor, Anthropology
Slopen Natalie Special Member ScD, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 2010; MA, University of Chicago, 2003; BSc, University of Toronto, 2002. Assistant Research Professor, Anthropology
Smith Jessica Special Member Ph.D. 2009, University of Michigan Research Professor, Anthropology
Stewart Marissa Associate Ph.D. 2017, M.A. 2011 The Ohio State University; B.A. 2009 Davidson College Assistant Research Professor, Anthropology
Thomann Matthew Full Member Ph.D. 2014 American University; M.S. 2009 Pace University; B.A. 2007 DePaul University Assistant Professor, Anthropology
Zanotti Laura Special Member Ph.D. 2008, M.A. 2004 University of Washington; B.A. 2001 Colgate University Research Professor, Anthropology
Zierden Martha Special Member M.A. 1981, Florida State University Research Professor, Anthropology