MA in Anthropology - Historical Archaeology in Williamsburg United States | College of William and Mary

The graduate program in the Department of Anthropology provides both an M.A. specializing in Historical Anthropology and a Ph.D. with focus areas in Historical Archaeology or Historical Anthropology. Applicants with a bachelor's degree can choose to enter either the standalone M.A. program or the combined M.A./Ph.D. track. Those already possessing an M.A. in Anthropology may apply directly to the Ph.D. program.

This program equips graduates for academic positions, careers in historical archaeology, and roles within museums, historical organizations, government agencies, and private industry. Our students consistently secure external funding through grants and fellowships while actively contributing to conferences and professional activities.

The curriculum includes cultural theory, regional studies, historical methods, and research techniques, with particular attention to comparative colonial studies, African diaspora research, Native American studies, and Colonial American/Caribbean archaeology. Hands-on training in fieldwork and laboratory techniques is offered through various courses, including intensive summer programs. The Williamsburg region provides exceptional access to historical archives, archaeological sites, museum collections, and numerous active research initiatives.