Ph.D. in Anthropology

Wayne State's Ph.D. in Anthropology prepares scholars to pursue advanced research and interdisciplinary training for careers in academia, research and applied fields. With expertise in medical anthropology, business/organizational anthropology, historical archaeology and urban anthropology, you'll gain the skills to tackle real-world challenges. Our interdisciplinary opportunities, including programs in social work and anthropology and the M.D./Ph.D. option, allow you to customize your path while working across traditional subfields in a collaborative environment.

About our program

We recruit small classes of well-prepared applicants with a commitment to fund all students appropriately and to provide careful mentoring within a close-knit intellectual community. We are particularly proud of our record in preparing doctoral scholars who are members of groups underrepresented in the academy. Our commitment to our students, our home in the city of Detroit and the national and global reach of our scholarship exemplify the very best of our doctoral program in anthropology at Wayne State University.

Ph.D. in Anthropology program requirements and curriculum

The anthropology Ph.D. degree requires students to satisfy the graduate program requirements and overall anthropology program requirements.

Courses

Anthropology graduate courses provide a rigorous foundation in anthropological theory, research methods and specialized topics across cultural, biological and archaeological anthropology. Designed to support advanced scholarship and practical application, the curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to tailor their studies to their research interests. Through a combination of core courses and electives, students develop the skills to conduct impactful research, address contemporary social issues and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Explore anthropology courses