PhD Anthropology at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Get advanced experience in anthropology as you prepare to lead research programs, contribute to discoveries and teach, with a focus in all major subfields of anthropology. Enjoy small cohorts with guaranteed funding through assistantships, and attend national conferences with faculty members. We offer flexible courses in basic and advanced theory and method, substantive knowledge areas, research design, data analysis and interpretation, and practical field skills.

Faculty: McCausland College of Arts and Sciences | Department: Anthropology | Duration: 30 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Describe and evaluate the historical development and contemporary expressions of anthropological theory. Recognize and describe research themes and content from all subfields. Conduct document-based and field research to engage in professional-level scholarly dialogue, lead classroom discussions and present scholarly papers.

Career pathways

Potential careers include College Professor, Coroner Technician, Data Analyst, Exhibit Arranger, Field Archaeologist, Lab Technician.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Applicants for the doctoral degree must have a baccalaureate degree from an approved college or university. Students who wish to do the PhD but do not have an MA in Anthropology may apply to the PhD program, but will be expected complete our M.A. program before entering the PhD program. Students who have MA degrees that required the production of a thesis in Anthropology may enter the PhD program directly. Applicants must be recommended to the Graduate School for acceptance by the Department of Anthropology. Admission requirements include official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities (whether a degree was earned or not), a personal statement of the student’s interest and intent, a writing sample, and at least two letters of recommendation. A strong applicant should have a 3.50 GPA. Practically speaking, an applicant intending to seek a PhD should be supported by at...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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