The Maxwell setting provides access to interdisciplinary issues of historical archaeology, such as museum studies, environmental topics, historical preservation, and policy planning. Reflecting current anthropological theory, the department makes continuous efforts to link anthropology with the other social sciences and with the humanities. Some anthropology graduate students take courses in feminist philosophy or theories of development. Others draw on history, English textual studies, or international relations for exploring themes such as colonialism or gender. Many anthropology students also receive a graduate certificate in Women's Studies, South Asian studies, Latin American Studies, or conflict resolution.
Anthropology here is primarily a Ph.D. program.
A master's degree is earned as a step toward a doctorate. Most graduate students are funded through teaching assistantships and fellowships. The anthropology department offers a course in grant writing, and many graduate students successfully secure funding for their fieldwork and research. Anthropology graduate students comprise a multi-ethnic, international community, and more than half of the students are women. The program is large enough to provide focused breadth yet small enough to allow faculty to work closely with and mentor graduate students.