Anthropology (ANTH)
Graduate Degree Program
College: Behavioral and Social Sciences
Abstract
The Department of Anthropology at the University of Maryland offers graduate study leading to the Master of Applied Anthropology (M.A.A.), the Master of Applied Anthropology and Master of Historic Preservation (M.A.A./M.H.P. Dual Degree), the Masters of Professional Studies in Cultural and Heritage Resource Management (M.P.S. (CHRM)), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Our graduate degrees reflect the department’s interest and expertise in applied anthropology—the application of anthropological knowledge, anthropology-in-use, and practicing anthropology— in a variety of institutional and community settings.
Current faculty members represent three subfields of the discipline (archaeology, socio-cultural anthropology, and genetic anthropology). Drawing their intellectual and applied orientations from training and application of the above subdisciplines, the department’s faculty also recognize the need to identify topics or problems where the expertise of individual faculty members can be applied in a manner that integrates the subdisciplines. In this ongoing effort, the faculty has identified three areas of research concentration: Anthropology of Health, Anthropology of Environment, and Anthropology of Heritage. The areas can be thought to contain and generate research problems of interest to the faculty’s experience and expertise within the subdisciplines. These problems can be addressed individually through socio-cultural anthropology and archaeology. However, the anthropological contribution to addressing these problems is enhanced by collaboration across subdiscipline interests and expertise.
The Master of Applied Anthropology (MAA) is a program designed both for students interested in an anthropology career outside of academia and for those who plan on continuing to a PhD. The program has been offered at the University of Maryland since 1984, and graduates have successfully secured employment or pursued doctoral work in a variety of fields, such as working in the areas of medical and health practice, urban and regional planning and development, community development, conservation and heritage resource development, cultural resource management, and historical archaeology. The focus of the MAA program has been to participate in the building of anthropological practice.
The dual degree Master’s Program in Applied Anthropology and Historic Preservation is a holistic, comprehensive primer for a professional career in the research, understanding and preservation of cultural resources and heritage. The first of its kind in the United States, the new degree prepares students for the challenges—and increasing demand—of understanding, documenting and saving a wide range buildings, landscapes, sites and communities.
The graduate program in Cultural and Heritage Resource Management (CHRM) provides rigorous interdisciplinary training in the skills necessary to advance a career in cultural heritage resource management. CHRM graduate programs include a Master of Professional Studies or a Graduate Certificate. Built on a broad foundation including research methods, critical thinking, ethics, communication and technical writing, management techniques, and leadership skills, this program prepares professionals for employment or advancement with private contracting firms, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations.
A major focus of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is to direct research scholarship and to encourage theoretical and methodological advancement in such a way as to reflect upon the specific practices of anthropology, with the aim of improving those practices and thereby increasing the value and usefulness of the discipline. Doctoral students are typically prepared for research and development careers outside of academic settings, as well as for academic careers in anthropology departments and other disciplinary settings.
Financial Assistance
A limited number of Departmental Fellowships and Teaching Assistantships are available to qualified graduate students. Part-time employment related to department research is occasionally available.
Doctoral students have the option of applying for Fellowships in Support of Diversity and Inclusion. If you're interested in applying for the Fellowships in Support of Diversity and Inclusion in the Behavioral and Social Sciences, please be sure to upload your materials under "Supplementary Application" when submitting your online admissions application.
Contact
Dr. Christina Getrich
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Anthropology
0123A Woods Hall
4302 Chapel Lane
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.1424
Fax: 301.314.8305
Email: cgetrich@umd.edu
Nadine Dangerfield
Assistant Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Anthropology
1115 Woods Hall
4302 Chapel Lane
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.4737
Fax: 301.314.8305
Email: nadine@umd.edu
Website: http://www.anth.umd.edu
Courses: ANTH
Relationships: Applied Anthropology and Historic Preservation (AAHP), Historic Preservation (HISP), Cultural and Heritage Resource Management (MPCH), Women's Studies (WMST)
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Statement of Purpose
- Transcript(s)
- TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- CV/Resume
- Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)
- Writing Sample
- Supplementary Application (optional for Ph.D., not required for M.A.A.)
- Faculty of Interest
Doctoral students have the option of applying for Fellowships in Support of Diversity and Inclusion. If you're interested in applying for the Fellowships in Support of Diversity and Inclusion in the Behavioral and Social Sciences, please be sure to upload your materials under "Supplementary Application" when submitting your online admissions application.
If you're interested in applying for the M.A.A./M.H.P. program, please see the AAHP program here: https://gradschool.umd.edu/architectureplanningpreservation/aahp
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| Type of Applicant | Fall Deadline |
|---|---|
| Domestic Applicants | |
| US Citizens and Permanent Residents | December 1, 2025 |
| International Applicants | |
| F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A,E,G,H,I and L visas and immigrants | December 1, 2025 |
RESOURCES AND LINKS:
Program Website: anth.umd.edu
Application Process: https://gradschool.umd.edu/admissions
The Anthropology department has eight labs in Woods Hall. Lab sections for Introduction to Ecological & Evolutionary Anthropology and other courses are held in the Anthropology Teaching Lab. Three archaeology labs that contain materials collected from field schools and research projects of the past several years, serve both teaching and research purposes. The Evolutionary Anthropology and Genetics and the Archaeogenetics laboratories use cutting-edge equipment and molecular methods for the study of human evolution, ancestry, and global migrations through DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing from modern and ancient sources. The Qualitative Research Lab provides dedicated space and technology for conducting in-person/virtual/hybrid group data collection activities (such as community meetings and focus groups) as well as one-on-one interviews with research participants in a private setting. The Quantitative Lab is a space for collaborative analysis of quantitative, spatial, and other forms of digital data. The Lab includes workstations, instructional space, and secure cabinets for storing and sharing field equipment.
| Last Name | First/Middle Name | Graduate Faculty Status | Academic Credentials | Positions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | Stephen | Full Member | Ph.D., Boston University, 2005; B.A., Montclair State, 1992 | Associate Chair, Anthropology Associate Professor, Anthropology |
| Brown | Madeline | Full Member | Ph.D., Stanford University, 2017; M.A., Stanford University, 2013 | Assistant Professor, Anthropology |
| Campbell | Jeremy | Special Member | Ph.D. 2009, University of California at Santa Cruz | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Chernela | Janet | Full Member | B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1965; M.A. Columbia University, 1978; Ph.D. Columbia University, 1983 | Professor Emerita, Anthropology Affiliate Professor, Women's Studies |
| De León | Jason | Special Member | PhD, Pennsylvania State University, 2008; MA, Pennsylvania State University, 2004, BA, University of California, Los Angeles, 2001. | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Downey | Sean | Special Member | Ph.D., University of Arizona, 2009; M.A., Northern Arizona University, 2003; B.A., Boston University, 1994 | Associate Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Dunn | Timothy | Special Member | Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, 1999; M.A., University of Texas at Austin, 1990; B.A., Hamline University, 1984 | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Fiske | Shirley | Adjunct Member | Ph.D., Stanford University, 1975; B.A. University of California, Davis, 1967 | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Freidenberg | Judith N. | Full Member | Ph.D., City University of New York, 1978 ; M.A. University of Buenos Aires, 1969 | Professor Emerita, Anthropology Affiliate Associate Professor, American Studies |
| Gaylord-Harden | Noni | Special Member | PhD, The University of Memphis, 2003: MS, The University of Memphis, 1999; BS, University of Arkansas, 1997 | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Getrich | Christina | Full Member | B.A. College of Wooster, 1997; M.A., Northern Arizona University, 2001; Ph.D. University of New Mexico, 2008 | Associate Professor, Anthropology Affiliate Associate Professor, Women's Studies |
| Gonzalez | Cady | Full Member | PhD, University of Florida, 2023; MA, University of Florida, 2017; BA, New College of Florida Honors College, 2014 | Assistant Professor, Anthropology |
| Gould | Peter | Special Member | Ph.D., University College London, 2014; M.L.A., University of Pennsylvania, 2010; B.A., Swarthmore College, 1973 | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Hadden | Carla | Special Member | Ph.D. 2015, University of Georgia | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Hagan | Ampson | Full Member | PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2022; MA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2017; MPH, Brown University, 2013; BA, The Ohio State University, 2011 | Assistant Professor, Anthropology |
| Hambrecht | George | Full Member | Ph.D. 2011 and M.A. 2009 Graduate Center of the City University of New York; B.A. 1995 Bard College | Associate Professor, Anthropology |
| King | Julia | Special Member | Ph.D. 1990, M.A. 1982 University of Pennsylvania; M.A. 1981 Florida State University; B.A. 1978 The College of William and Mary | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Kline | Nolan | Special Member | PhD, University of South Florida, 2015; MPH, University of South Florida, 2016; MA, University of South Florida, 2010; BA, Rollins College, 2008 | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Lafrenz Samuels | Kathryn | Full Member | Ph.D. 2010 Stanford University; M.A. 2004 University of South Florida; B.A. 2001 Bryn Mawr College | Associate Professor, Anthropology |
| Lee | Jooyoung | Special Member | PhD, UCLA, 2009 | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Little | Barbara | Adjunct Member | Ph.D. and M.A. State University of New York at Buffalo; B.A. Pennsylvania State University | Adjunct Professor, Anthropology |
| Loza | Mireya | Special Member | Ph.D. 2011, M.A. 2006 Brown University; M.A. 2003 University of Texas at Austin; B.A. 2001 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Assistant Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Lucas | Gavin | Special Member | PhD, University of Cambridge, 1995; BA, Institute of Archaeology | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| López | Andrea | Full Member | PhD, University of New Mexico, 2014; MA, University of New Mexico, 2007; BA, San Francisco State University, 2003. | Associate Professor, Anthropology |
| Morin | Bode | Special Member | PhD, Michigan Technological University, 2009; MS, Michigan Technological University, 1995; BS, University of Michigan, 1989 | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Orr | Yancey | Special Member | PhD, The University of Arizona, 2012; MA, University of California-Berkeley, 2007; MA, Yale University, 2005; BA, Yale University, 2001 | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Palus | Matthew | Graduate Teaching | Ph.D. 2010 Columbia University; M.A.A. 2000 University of Maryland; B.A. 1994, B.A. 1993 University of Maine | Senior Lecturer, Anthropology |
| Paolisso | Michael J. | Full Member | Ph.D. 1985 M.A. 1978 and B.A. 1976 University of California - Los Angeles | Professor Emeritus, Anthropology |
| Pavão-Zuckerman | Barnet | Full Member | Ph.D. 2001 University of Georgia; B.A. 1996 Binghamton University | Chair, Anthropology Professor, Anthropology |
| Reeves | Matthew | Special Member | Ph.D. 1997, M.A. 1993 Syracuse University; B.A. 1990 George Mason University | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Richardson | Joseph | Full Member | Ph.D. 2003 Rutgers University - School of Criminal Justice; M.A. 1992 Rutgers University - School of Criminal Justice; B.A. 1990 The University of Virginia | Professor, Anthropology |
| Sayers | Daniel | Special Member | PhD, College of William and Mary, 2008; MA, Western Michigan University, 1999; BA, Western Michigan University, 1995 | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Shackel | Paul A. | Full Member | Ph.D. 1987 M.A. 1984 and B.A. 1981 State University of New York - Buffalo | Professor, Anthropology Affiliate Associate Professor, American Studies |
| Shaffer | Laura Jean | Full Member | Ph.D. 2009 University of Georgia - Athens; M.S. 1999 University of Oregon - Eugene; B.S. 1994 Cornell University - Ithaca | Assistant Professor, Anthropology |
| Slopen | Natalie | Special Member | ScD, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 2010; MA, University of Chicago, 2003; BSc, University of Toronto, 2002. | Assistant Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Smith | Jessica | Special Member | Ph.D. 2009, University of Michigan | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Thomann | Matthew | Full Member | Ph.D. 2014 American University; M.S. 2009 Pace University; B.A. 2007 DePaul University | Assistant Professor, Anthropology |
| Zanotti | Laura | Special Member | Ph.D. 2008, M.A. 2004 University of Washington; B.A. 2001 Colgate University | Research Professor, Anthropology |
| Zierden | Martha | Special Member | M.A. 1981, Florida State University | Research Professor, Anthropology |