PhD in Anthropology is a doctorate course. It has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 6 years. PhD in Anthropology course deals with social, cultural and biological anthropology. It talks about the contributions of all the social reformers. Some of the subjects which are taught to the students are Paradigms in social-cultural anthropology, Contributions of social reformers and thinkers to Indian society and culture, Research methodology, etc. In order to stand eligible for this course, the students must complete their master’s degree in Philosophy from a reputed institute. Some institutes also accept postgraduate students from other disciplines. Admission is done either on the basis of the marks acquired by the candidates in their post-graduation or on the basis of entrance test results.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Full-form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Anthropology |
Duration | 2-6 years |
Admission Process | Direct Admission or on the basis of Entrance test. |
Job Positions | Research scientist, clinical psychologist, technical director, assistant professor, general manager. |
Top Recruiting Areas | Museums, educational institutes, administrative departments, conservative centers, etc. |
Most universities require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and may also require the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for non-native English speakers.
Entrance Test |
UGC NET (June Session) |
UGC CSIR NET |
GATE |
JNUEE |
A PhD in Anthropology program typically takes 4-6 years to complete, depending on the student's research interests, progress, and other factors.
Admission to a PhD in Anthropology program is highly competitive, and selection criteria vary depending on the university. However, admission committees generally consider a combination of academic performance, research experience, writing samples, letters of recommendation, and the applicant's fit with the program's research interests.
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The application process for a PhD in Anthropology program typically involves the following steps:
Research: | Candidates should research universities and programs that offer a PhD in Anthropology and identify the ones that align with their research interests and career goals. |
Application Materials: | Candidates should gather all necessary application materials, which typically include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, writing samples, and standardized test scores. |
Online Application: | Most universities have an online application portal where candidates can submit their application materials and pay the application fee. |
Application Fee: | Candidates may be required to pay an application fee, which can range from $50 to $150 or more, depending on the university. |
Deadline: | Candidates should submit their application materials before the deadline, which varies by university. |
The cost of a PhD in Anthropology program varies by university and can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more per year. Some universities offer financial aid, scholarships, and assistant ships to help cover the cost of tuition and living expenses.
Topics | Subtopics |
Research methodology in anthropology | Research process: an overview, Recent approaches, Scientific writing skills, Quantitative methods, Qualitative methods, Software |
Theoretical and methodical approaches in anthropology | Paradigms in social-cultural anthropology, Research ethics, Unit of contributions of Indian anthropologists, Paradigms in biological anthropology, Contributions of social reformers and thinkers to Indian society and culture |
Advances in medical anthropology | New theoretical paradigms in medical anthropology, Policy and advocacy, Culture and medicine, International health, Recent Health Initiatives, Overview of National health problems in India, Research methodology |
Perspectives in Social-cultural anthropology | Social-cultural anthropology: an overview, Social and cultural change in India, Marriage, family and kinship: emerging trends, Dominant processes of Socio-cultural change in India, Religious and popular cults in India. |
Perspectives in Development Anthropology | Origins and approaches in Anthropology of development, Agencies of development, Perspectives on developments, Development: the Indian case Development planning |
Advances in Biological anthropology | Current research problems and challenges in the biological anthropology of South Asia, Human biological variation: anthropometric and genetic studies, Nutrition education and community nutrition |
Graduates of a PhD in Anthropology program may pursue careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, or the private sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for anthropologists and archaeologists was $68,980 in May 2020. However, salaries vary depending on the industry, job title, and location.
Graduates of a PhD in Anthropology program may pursue a variety of career paths, including:
Academic Positions: | Graduates may work as professors or researchers in universities and research institutions. |
Government Agencies: | Graduates may work for government agencies such as the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, or the U.S. Department of State. |
Non-Profit Organizations: | Graduates may work for non-profit organizations such as cultural heritage preservation groups or international development organizations. |
Private Sector: | Graduates may work in industries such as market research, consulting, or cultural resource management. |
Some of the top universities for a PhD in Anthropology program in the US include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.