BA/MA in Anthropology

 

Student working on computer

 

The dual Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Anthropology program allows students to complete the graduate degree on an accelerated timeline by completing 12 graduate credits as part of the undergraduate program. Full-time students are generally able to complete both degrees within five years.

 

 


Application Requirements

Students in the BA in Anthropology degree program may apply to the MA in Anthropology once they have accumulated 75 credits at GW and have consulted with anthropology advisors. Applicants must be declared anthropology, archaeology or biological anthropology majors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major. Students must also fill out a Combined Degree Credit Form specifying the double-counted courses they plan to take and submit it to the director of graduate studies. GRE scores are not required.

Eligible students will apply for formal admission into the BS/MS program, through the CCAS Combined Degree Application process. Students will be recommended for admission to the MS program on the same basis as other applicants for the MS degree, with the final decision being made by the CCAS graduate dean.

Combined Degree Programs


Degree Timeline

Combined degree students are admitted to the master's program with the understanding that during their undergraduate program, they will complete 12 credits of master's coursework, which also count toward the bachelor's degree. 

This leaves 24 credits left to finish out their 36-credit master's degree. Most students complete six credits over the summer, nine credits in the fall semester and nine credits in the final spring semester, totaling one calendar year beyond the bachelor's degree. During that year, they are officially graduate students and eligible for consideration as teaching assistants or graders.

Sample BA/MA in Anthropology Schedule

  • ANTH 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 (13 hours)
  • Language requirement, if needed (12 hours)
  • General Education Curriculum (GPAC) courses

Fall (15 hours)

  • Upper-level linguistics
  • Upper-level biological anthropology
  • Upper-level topics in sociocultural anthropology
  • Two electives or GPAC courses

Spring (15 hours)

  • Upper-level cultures (3700s). Can be earned in a study abroad program.
  • Upper-level archaeology. Can be earned in a study abroad program.
  • Two electives or GPAC courses
  • ANTH 2008
  • Apply to the BA/MA

Fall (15 hours)

  • Graduate seminar
  • Four electives, which may include a second graduate-level course or an upper-level undergraduate course taken for graduate credit

Spring (15 hours)

  • Methods course
  • Proseminar
  • Three electives, which may include a graduate-level course or upper-level undergraduate course for graduate credit

Summer After Senior Year (three–six hours)

  • Anth 6995, Research

Fall (nine hours)

  • Proseminar — involving supervised fieldwork or reading and research in consultation with anthropology advisors
  • Master’s exams
  • Three electives (could include thesis research or internship)

Spring (nine–12 hours)

  • Three electives (could include thesis research or internship)
  • Hand in thesis or other culminating exercise

Course Requirements

Students take 12 graduate credits as part of their undergraduate program. All requirements for both the BA in Anthropology and the MA in Anthropology must be fulfilled.