PhD in Anthropology

The University of Kentucky (UK) has grown into a vibrant institution committed to advancing knowledge, fostering creativity, and nurturing leaders. With a sprawling and picturesque campus, the university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. At the core of the University of Kentucky's mission is a dedication to research and discovery. The institution is renowned for its cutting-edge research initiatives, spanning fields such as healthcare, agriculture, engineering, and the arts. With world-class faculty leading the way, UK provides students with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research and contribute to advancements that have a global impact. Beyond academics, the university embraces a vibrant campus life, encouraging students to participate in a rich tapestry of extracurricular activities, fostering personal growth, and building a strong sense of community. The University of Kentucky stands as a dynamic and inclusive educational institution, preparing students not only for successful careers but also for a life of purpose and contribution to society.

Since its inception in the 1960s, the graduate program has been nationally recognized as a leader in applied anthropology. We define applied anthropology as research with practical application and impact, but anchored in a rigorous foundation in anthropological theory and method, whether from socio-cultural, bio-cultural, medical, or archaeological perspectives. With grounding in core anthropological theory and method, we train our students to be skilled researchers who can traverse both academic and non-academic settings, bringing to their research a sound intellectual base, and skills for application and practice. The PhD program in Anthropology consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours, plus a minimum of two semesters of ANT 767. Students must fulfill any and all other requirements of the Graduate School. An entering PhD student should complete required coursework by the end of the second year, and successfully defend a dissertation proposal and successfully complete the qualifying exams as early as the fifth semester, but no later than the tenth semester, after admission to the program. Upon acceptance into 3 the graduate program, a student will be assigned a graduate advisor who will review and approve all first year coursework, and in consultation with the DGS, evaluate requests for transfer of up to 9 credit hours of equivalent graduate-level coursework. Following the first year, all coursework will be approved by the student’s committee.