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.
They are encouraged to take this advanced examination by the end of the sixth semester of graduate study. Students and their committees determine the choice of courses. Physical Anthropology Not required Not required Advanced course A successfully defended dissertation is the final requirement for the Ph.D. degree.