As many as two of the six courses may be in disciplines other than anthropology. All students take the department's introductory course in research methods and write a preliminary research proposal. During the second year, students select six courses in consultation with their advisors. At the end of the first year, students take a written examination in their elected subfield. Examinations are graded by a committee composed of faculty members in the subfield.
Students complete a research paper by the end of their second year.
The paper is evaluated by the advisor and two other members of the student's committee. Upon completion of these steps, the student is normally awarded an M.A. degree and continues in the Ph.D. program. Students write a dissertation proposal, which they submit to their committee and then to granting agencies, such as the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Students are encouraged to complete the proposal during the third year of graduate study. Students complete a Ph.D. candidacy examination in an area relevant to their Ph.D. research.