Doctoral Degree in Anthropology
Who is this program for?
The doctoral degree in anthropology is suited for students who are deeply interested in understanding human cultures, societies, and biological evolution through comprehensive research and analysis. This program prepares graduates for careers as university professors, museum curators, cultural resource managers, or applied anthropologists in governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Program Overview
The Ph.D. in Anthropology prepares students to use anthropological theory and methods to address real-world problems and promote positive change in communities and organizations. Through interdisciplinary coursework and field-based research, students develop expertise in areas such as public health, education, environment, development, and social justice. The program emphasizes collaboration, cultural understanding, and practical application, equipping graduates for careers in academia, government, nonprofit organizations, and international agencies where they lead efforts to inform policy, improve programs, and support community well-being.
Since its inception in the 1960s, the graduate program has been nationally recognized as a leader in applied anthropology. We define applied anthropology as research with practical application and impact, but anchored in a rigorous foundation in anthropological theory and method, whether from socio-cultural, bio-cultural, medical, or archaeological perspectives. With grounding in core anthropological theory and method, we train our students to be skilled researchers who can traverse both academic and non-academic settings, bringing to their research a sound intellectual base, and skills for application and practice.
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What You'll Learn
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.

Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
Missouri

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