PhD in Anthropology in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Department of Anthropology provides an esteemed graduate program divided into two interconnected divisions: Evolutionary and Sociocultural. The Evolutionary Wing (E-Wing) adopts a scientific perspective to examine human biology and culture across time through interdisciplinary research. The Sociocultural Wing (S-Wing) explores contemporary social structures and cultural interpretations in modern and postmodern contexts. Doctoral candidates typically enter directly into the Ph.D. track, fulfilling M.A. requirements as part of their doctoral progression. Our program cultivates scholars capable of producing innovative, rigorous contributions to anthropological research through doctoral studies, blending traditional scholarship with emerging methodologies. We maintain small cohorts to foster individualized mentorship and a dynamic research environment. Ideal applicants possess foundational knowledge in anthropological disciplines. Doctoral candidates must complete graduate seminars or statistics courses, pass written and oral examinations, conduct pre-dissertation research, and produce an original dissertation.

The curriculum develops expertise in primate/human behavioral evolution, ecological studies, cultural dynamics, prehistoric archaeology, critical social theory, identity studies, political systems, and urban anthropology. Graduates acquire both qualitative and quantitative research competencies for professional careers in archaeology, linguistic anthropology, biological anthropology, or sociocultural anthropology.