Note: the requirements for this program were updated after the initial publication of this Bulletin. See the 2022-2023 Bulletin updates page for specifics.
72 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits in courses selected in consultation with the advisor prior to advancing to PhD candidacy and 6 to 27 credits in dissertation research.
Course List Code | Title | Credits |
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ANTH 6413 | Analytical Methods in Human Evolutionary Studies (or an alternative course selected with the approval of the advisor and program director) | |
ANTH 6414 | Grant Writing for Biological Anthropology | |
HOMP 6202 | Lab Techniques: Paleoanthropology | |
HOMP 6203 | Ethics and Professional Practice I | |
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HOMP 6201 | Hominid Paleobiology | |
ANTH 6403 | Primate Behavior | |
ANTH 6404 | The Evolution of Primate Life Histories | |
ANTH 6407 | Anthropological Genetics | |
ANTH 6423 | Evolution of the Human Brain | |
ANTH 6801 | Paleolithic Archaeology | |
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HOMP 8302 | Public Understanding of Science Internship | |
HOMP 8303 | Paleobiology Lab Rotation | |
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HOMP 6995 | Independent Research | |
HOMP 8998 | Advanced Reading and Research (Taken for no more than a total of 6 credits. This course is graded on a CR/NC basis.) | |
HOMP 8999 | Dissertation Research (taken for 6 to 27 credits) | |
Advanced Requirements
Students must successfully complete general comprehensive examinations, a dissertation proposal defense and examination, and a final dissertation defense and examination.
General examinations prior to PhD candidacy
General examinations must be successfully completed before the end of the third year of the program, prior to advancing to candidacy. These comprise two written comprehensive examinations, and a dissertation proposal defense and examination.
The first comprehensive examination includes written questions that integrate comprehension across all thematic areas in the modern and paleobiology core and tests foundational knowledge, concepts, theory, and/or methods learned in the core curriculum.
The second comprehensive examination is written in the form of an authoritative review of a chosen topic, including a history of previous relevant research, discussion of theoretical issues, and identification of outstanding questions or directions for future research.
For the dissertation proposal defense, students must prepare a research proposal that meets funding agency guidelines and successfully complete an oral defense and examination of this proposal.
After PhD candidacy
After candidacy, students proceed to completing their doctoral research plan and writing the dissertation, in consultation with their dissertation committee. Successful completion of a final dissertation defense and oral examination is required to earn the PhD degree.