Programs of Study

The department offers undergraduate (BA) and graduate (MA, PhD) degrees in anthropology.

The Bachelor of Arts program in anthropology provides students a background to understand human society and culture and provides a multicultural perspective on the range of beliefs, hopes, and behaviors found among the world's people.

anthroUndergraduate students are introduced to anthropologys four subfields:  archaeology, social/cultural anthropology, linguistics, physical anthropology and are encouraged to develop research interests in any of these areas. Students work closely with departmental faculty. They are encouraged to take advantage of service learning and internship opportunities at the Gilcrease Museum, other Tulsa-area museums, or with local businesses and community-based organizations. Individual advising and counseling are provided for all anthropology majors.

The Masters of Arts program in anthropology provides students with the necessary theoretical and technical background for pursuing professional careers or continuing graduate studies at the doctoral level. Concentrated course work is offered in archaeology.

The program emphasizes development of analytical and writing skills in all areas of course work.

Candidates for admission to the graduate program in anthropology must either hold a bachelor's degree in anthropology or archaeology or a bachelor's degree in another subject with significant course work in anthropology or another social science. Candidates without this background may apply for conditional admission to the graduate program. Applicants for admission should have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Applicants with GPAs of less than 3.0 may be admitted on probation at the discretion of the faculty.

Applicants to the MA Program must submit scores from the General Tests of the Graduate Record Examination.

The Ph.D. program offers concentration only in archaeology. It emphasizes a sound understanding of archaeological science, inter-disciplinary training and the development of practical skills applicable to both pure and applied research. Rather than dichotomizing pure and applied approaches to archaeological research, the program melds the two within the basic tenets of archaeological science.

The discipline of archaeology has undergone marked changes over the last three decades with a steady decline in traditional university faculty positions balanced by a dramatic growth in applied archaeology/cultural resource management (CRM) employment. Accordingly, the Ph.D. program is designed to integrate experiences and perspectives of applied research throughout the curriculum. That curriculum provides the strong theoretical and methodological training typical of the best traditional academic programs while exposing all students to the skills necessary to conduct applied research. In this way, the Ph.D. curriculum prepares students for either applied or academic positions upon graduation.

Candidates for admission to the Ph.D. program should hold a Master’s degree in either (1) anthropology, with a concentration in archaeology; or (2) museum studies. Candidates with degrees in other fields may be admitted at the discretion of the faculty. Additional archaeology coursework may be required. Applicants for admission should have a minimum grade point average of 3.5. Applicants with GPAs lower than 3.5 may be admitted on probation at the discretion of the faculty. Applicants must submit scores from the General tests of the Graduate Record Examination. Candidates are encouraged to apply for Graduate Assistantships that provide full tuition and a stipend.

JD/MA in Anthropology

Students with approval may obtain simultaneous graduate degrees in law (JD) and anthropology (MA).

Museum Science

The University also offers a  graduate degree in Museum Science & Management Program .