THE GRADUATE PROGRAM
The unique intellectual challenge of anthropology is to integrate knowledge from many disciplines for a global understanding of cultural and biological diversity in the past and the present. Individual courses in cultural, biological anthropology, and archaeology cut across lines of the humanities, social, and natural sciences. Because of this integrative perspective on the human condition, and the training provided in objectively assessing cultural patterning and social interaction, an advanced degree in anthropology provides a versatile base for career development. In particular, the department’s training provides entry to a variety of careers in archaeology, education, community service, public health, public administration, development, and international affairs and business. The specific skills it provides are useful to students of environmental design, city planning, community development, the medical and nursing professions and allied health sciences, law, public affairs, and secondary education. For students considering the possibility of doctoral-level work in anthropology, the department has an excellent record in placing students in top-tier graduate programs.
The University of Colorado-Denver Department of Anthropology provides an outstanding graduate education in anthropology, giving students a broad yet thorough grounding in the four subfields of anthropology as well as specialized instruction in one or more of a number of research orientations and/or geographic area concentrations. These orientations encompass the areas of research and application in which department faculty have substantial expertise. The graduate faculty in anthropology are particularly known for their research and publications in:
- applied medical anthropology
- the anthropology of food and nutrition
- human ecology
- biological anthropology
- human and non-human primate evolution
- functional morphology
- ethnicity
- urban and community anthropology
- evaluation methods
- the anthropology of development
- primate social behavior
- prehistoric political economy
- sociopolitical evolution
- political ecology
- environmental anthropology
- Southwestern and Mexican archaeology
RESEARCH AND AREA CONCENTRATIONS
In addition to giving students a broad, yet thorough, grounding in the major subfields of anthropology, students also have the advantage of specialized instruction in one or more research orientations and/or geographic area concentrations in which department faculty have substantial expertise.
M.A. Research Concentrations:
- applied medical anthropology;
- archaeological studies;
- biological anthropology;
- sustainable development and political ecology
M.A. Area Studies Concentrations
- Latin America
- Arid American West
Study abroad opportunities, an archaeological field school and international research experience, are also available to students.
