Anthropology Graduate Program

Our graduate anthropology program is based on nearly four decades of offering a nationally recognized Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. We have over 40 graduate students currently enrolled. ENMU graduates hold positions across the country with government agencies, private contractors, small universities and community colleges, and in Ph.D. programs with strong financial support.

We are a research-oriented department associated with several museums, the Blackwater Locality No. 1 Paleoindian Site (a National Historic Landmark designated by the National Register of Historic Places) and the Agency for Conservation Archaeology (ACA).

Our M.A. program offers a general anthropology background, with a strong emphasis in archaeology. We have had students complete theses in the four areas of anthropology, but most students specialize in archaeology or physical anthropology. Most of our faculty and staff have experience in archaeology, but several also do research in physical anthropology. Most of our classes are small, allowing for direct work with instructors. We also have a fine library, a student computer lab, departmental computers, computer mapping instruments, a scanning electron microscope, a department darkroom and other labs and teaching aids.

Academic Requirements

Graduate students must complete 36 hours of required and elective classes, as well as a thesis defense. If you do not have an undergraduate degree in anthropology, you may be required to take some leveling courses (please check the graduate catalog and consult the Graduate School for admission requirements.) Our M.A. degree requires all students to complete a thesis, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and pass a set of core courses before submitting a thesis prospectus.

View the graduate anthropology degree plan.

Admission Requirements

Admission to our program is a two-step process. Students must first apply for admission to the Graduate School (please check the graduate catalog and consult with the Graduate School for their admission requirements.) Students will then apply for admission to our Anthropology program. For this, you need to send the following information directly to the Anthropology Department Graduate Coordinator: a letter of intent outlining your goals, a current vita, two letters of recommendation, and a writing sample (such as a paper written for a class or project). We do not require the GRE.

Hands-On Research Opportunities

Our graduate students can earn credit while working on research projects in the museums and laboratories and with ACA. We offer several graduate assistantships that provide experience in the classrooms, on research projects, at museums and also at the Blackwater Draw site. Student-hire positions, work fellowships, scholarships and other positions are also available. Students with archaeological field experience may also find work with ACA. An application for assistantships must be returned the semester before you plan to enter the program.

Financial Support

The Graduate School offers several fellowships for qualified students. Students are encouraged to check with the Graduate School about qualifications and, if eligible, to complete the applications.