Anthropology, PhD: Biological
The emphasis in the Graduate Program is on training candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This degree certifies that, in addition to having a sound knowledge of anthropology as a whole, the holder has been trained to do independent research at a professional level of competence in at least one of the major sub-disciplines of anthropology: archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, or linguistic anthropology.
For more information: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/anthropology/graduate-programs/phd-program
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Required Courses
A minimum of 12 course units must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 5 | |
| ANTH 6000 | Contemporary Archaeology in Theory | |
| ANTH 6020 | Evolutionary Anthropology | |
| ANTH 6030 | Language in Culture and Society | |
| ANTH 6010 | Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Culture and Society | |
| ANTH 6550 | Methods and Grantwriting for Anthropological Research | |
| Concentration Requirements | 13 | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Language Requirement | ||
| Students must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one foreign language used in written source material or scientific literature relevant to the student's professional career. | ||
| Teaching Requirement | ||
| Four semesters of teaching are required | ||
| Total Course Units | 18 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| Contemporary Archaeology in Theory | ||
| Evolutionary Anthropology | ||
| Language in Culture and Society | ||
| Contemporary Approaches to the Study of Culture and Society | ||
| Methods and Grantwriting for Anthropological Research | ||
| Basic Courses in Area of Specialization | ||
| Comprehensive Examination (spring) | ||
| Second Year | ||
| Specialized courses, seminars, tutorials | ||
| Grant writing course | ||
| Teaching Assistant | ||
| Completion of Language Exam (fall or spring) | ||
| Third Year | ||
| Completion of course requirements | ||
| Apply for dissertation research grants | ||
| Oral Examination & submission of Dissertation Proposal | ||
| Teaching Assistant | ||
| Fourth Year | ||
| Dissertation Research | ||
| Fifth Year | ||
| Dissertation Research, Writing, and Submission | ||
| Sixth Year (if necessary) | ||
| Dissertation Writing and Submission | ||