Anthropology M.A./M.S.

Four calendar years from the term of admission will be the maximum time allowed to complete all requirements for a master’s degree. Terms on approved leave of absence will be charged against the four-year limitation.

In addition to formal course requirements, the following are also necessary:

1. Candidates for an MA degree must fulfill the second language requirement. Options for meeting the graduate foreign language requirement for MA students include: A) Passing a course equivalent to PSU level 203 or higher. The Department of World Languages and Literatures will verify completion of the requirement upon evaluation of the student's academic record. B) Students who do not meet the course equivalent should contact the Department of World Languages and Literatures during the first term after their admission to schedule an oral proficiency interview or a written test. Ordinarily the examination is taken in French, Spanish, or German. Other languages may, upon departmental approval, be substituted. Students must complete the foreign language requirement no later than one calendar year following entrance to the program. Foreign Language Requirement Verification Request Forms should be submitted for completion to the Department of World Languages and Literatures and a copy should be given to the Anthropology Department.

2. Candidates for an MS degree are strongly encouraged to discuss with their advisers the selection of appropriate courses in science, math, and technical skills that would complement their course of study.

3. Advancement to candidacy involves successful passing (a minimum grade of B-) of the core seminars (Anth 511, Anth 550, Anth 570). Advancement to candidacy can only be accomplished before the close of the next-to-the-final term of work.

4. For the thesis track, approval of a thesis topic and the appointment of the graduate committee. For the internship track, approval of an internship contract (including deliverables),a final paper topic and format, and the appointment of the graduate committee. For the skills track, approval of a course plan, portfolio content, and the appointment  of the graduate committee. Students develop a thesis proposal (thesis track), internship contract and final paper score (internship track), or coursework/portfolio plan (skills track) and submit it to the department faculty for approval and for the formal appointment of the graduate committee. Students in the thesis track should have a master’s thesis proposal submitted to and approved by the department faculty as soon as possible following admission to the program, but in no case later than the end of the seventh term (excluding Summer Session) following admission to the program. Students in the internship track should  have an approved internship contract as soon as possible following admission into the program, but in no case later than the end of the fifth term (excluding Summer Session). Students in the skills track should have an approved course plan by the end of their first quarter in the program.

5. For students on the internship track, submission of internship deliverable to partnership organization and presentation and approval of the final internship paper.

6. For students on the thesis track, presentation and approval of thesis and passing of an oral defense of thesis.

7. For students on the skills track, passing comprehensive exams, submitting and presenting an approved portfolio that demonstrates the skills obtained during the program.